Noticeboard Archive
Archive from last year
| 2007-12-14 00:00:00 |
Siblings Australia: Website update
The Siblings Australia website has just been updated to include forums for young, teen and adult siblings, as well as service providers. If you are running or intending to run sibling programs the provider forum, Sibservices, could be very useful. Services are also invited to register group details on the directory of services page. The research pages will provide details of activities during 2008 in relation to sibling issue research.
| 2007-12-11 00:00:00 |
National Rural Health Alliance Evaluation
The National Rural Health Alliance is the peak body working to improve the health of Australians in rural and remote areas. The Alliance and the Department of Health have commissioned an external evaluation of the Alliance, being conducted by a team of researchers from Urbis. They would like your views...for more information and links to the online survey go to Alliance webpage.
| 2007-12-04 00:00:00 |
Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA) Speakers Bureau
Multicultural Mental Health Australia is developing a Speakers Bureau
to ensure CALD voices are heard across all media outlets. The bureau will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of issues surrounding the mental health of people from non-English speaking backgrounds and help break down the stigma attached to mental illness.
If you would like to be part of the MMHA Speakers Bureau - contact MMHA. Those who join the Bureau will be given special media training to assist them in sharing their stories with the media. For more information email Margaret El-Chami or phone 02 9840 3333.
| 2007-12-03 00:00:00 |
World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental Disorders: Call for papers
The call for papers for the 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental Disorders is now open.
The conference (September 10th-12th 2008) is being organized by VicHealth, the World Federation for Mental Health, the Clifford Beers Foundation and the Carter Center Mental Health Program. It is supported by the World Health Organization, Auseinet and the Global Consortium for Prevention and Promotion in Mental Health.
For more information go to "Call for Papers". Please note that applications can only be done online.
| 2007-11-27 00:00:00 |
Suicide Helpline Call Back Service
The Suicide Helpline Call Back Service (SHL CBS) is a nationwide outbound telephone counselling service provided by Crisis Support Services. The service offers specialised support to people who are at risk of suicide, people caring for someone who is suicidal or people bereaved by suicide. SHL CBS offers six sessions of telephone counselling, which run for approximately 50 minutes each, over a period of up to six months. The service gives people the opportunity to receive supportive counselling, information and referrals to specialist services for on-going support. The service also caters for people from CALD backgrounds through its links with the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). SHL CBS is completely confidential and non-judgemental.
Suicide Helpline Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.
(Source: MMHA e-bulletin, Nov/Dec.)
| 2007-11-16 00:00:00 |
2007 Human Rights Awards shortlist
The shortlists of nominations for the 2007 Human Rights Awards have been released by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).
"The people and organisations in these shortlists exemplify members and groups in our community who work tirelessly and without fanfare to protect and promote human rights and to overcome discrimination in our country everyday," said HREOC President, John von Doussa.
Seven shortlists of nominations for achievements in Law, Community (Individual), Community (Organisation), Arts Non-Fiction, Print Media, Radio and Television are available on the HREOC website
| 2007-11-16 00:00:00 |
National Indigenous Television to broadcast Rural Health Education Foundation programs
The National Indigenous Television service (NITV) will soon broadcast a series of programs on Indigenous health which have been produced by the RHEF. National Indigenous Television (NITV) is a new 24 hour television service which can be viewed on Foxtel, Austar (channel 180) or through the Optus Aurora satellite service. Most Rural Health Education Foundation sites can view the programs through their satellite receiving equipment.
Programs include:
Dec 23rd: Keep Safe
Dec 23rd: Grow Strong
Dec 30th: Start Strong
| 2007-11-14 00:00:00 |
Why Games Matter: Reach Out! Central (ROC) wins international award
ROC, the virtual gaming world to help young people get through tough times, is one of the 3 winners in the international 'Why Games Matter' awards. The awards (organised by Changemakers in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) focus on providing solutions and resources for successful social innovation. For more information go to: Changemakers webpage.
| 2007-10-30 00:00:00 |
Another shade of blue: depression in older Australians (RHEF broadcast)
According to recent research, depression is now considered to be more damaging to health than most chronic diseases. Depression is a common condition but is often unrecognised, misdiagnosed or untreated in older Australians. The signs and symptoms are often seen by health professionals and older people themselves as a normal part of the ageing process. This program aims to provide information to rural health professionals on best practice multi-disciplinary interventions for depression in older Australians, including older Indigenous Australians and older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It will encourage health professionals to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and a positive approach to ageing.
This program will be broadcast live on Tuesday 13th November on Channel 4. For more details go to RHEF programs page.
| 2007-10-24 00:00:00 |
Canadian request for early intervention information
The Southeastern Ontario District Early Intervention in Psychosis Program (Canada) are seeking email addresses of early intervention in psychosis programs in Australia as part of an international survey. The topic of interest is public education initiatives and particularly detection and intervention. They plan to share the results at the 6th International Conference on Early Psychosis in Melbourne, Australia.
Any program interested in participating in the survey should contact bucknala@hdh.kari.net
| 2007-10-23 00:00:00 |
Australian Rotary Health PhD Scholarship investigating suicide in men
Applications for a PhD Scholarship are being called for by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund. The value of the scholarship is $25,000 per year for a maximum of three years. Applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD program at a University or research institute in Australia. Contact Anthony Scarman at the ARHRF on (02) 8837 1900 for details.
Closing date for all applications is Friday 11th January 2008. Application forms can be downloaded from the ARHRF website
| 2007-10-10 00:00:00 |
Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) has $1.9 million in funding to be awarded for Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships as part of the Australian Government’s National Comorbidity Initiative.
The Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships are open to alcohol and other drug and mental health workers employed in non-government organisations. The initiative aims to enhance workers professional skills and knowledge across the comorbidities of AOD and Mental Health by providing funding to support eligible workers to undertake relevant professional development and/or training.
Two Scholarship rounds are scheduled for 2007/2008:
Round One: opens Monday 15 October 2007, Closes Monday 12 November 2007.
Round Two: opens Monday 5 February 2008, Closes Monday 3 March 2008.
Application forms and further information can be obtained from
NCETA Comorbidity project webpage
| 2007-10-08 00:00:00 |
Digital Stories’ Project: Mensline Australia
Mensline Australia is issuing a call-out to Arabic, Indigenous and young men to take part in their ‘Digital Stories’ Project. Held in partnership with the Australian Centre of Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne, Mensline Australia are recruiting five men from each group to be trained in making a 3-5 minute documentary about the highlights and challenges of their unique life experiences.
Working to dissipate feelings of isolation amongst CALD, Indigenous and or other young men, the Digital Stories Project will provide Australian men with a unique insight into the lives of their peers and an understanding of the importance of seeking professional support such as that provided by Mensline Australia.
The finished Digital Stories will be hosted on the Mensline Australia website, as well as the websites of other supporting organisations. Filming will take place on the 17, 18, 19th of October 2007. Please contact 03 8371 2800 for more information
| 2007-10-04 00:00:00 |
Review of National Standards for Mental Health Services
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) is currently reviewing the National Standards for Mental Health Services (NSMHS), under contract with the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing. The revised NSMHS are being developed to assist mental health service providers to deliver quality, evidence based, recovery-focussed integrated care to people with a mental illness (consumers).
The draft revised NSMHS are available for Field Review until 18 October 2007. The field review is open to mental health professionals, allied health professionals, primary care providers, consumers, carers and other interested stakeholders. For more information go to ACHS webpage.
| 2007-10-02 00:00:00 |
Child Abuse and Neglect: Identifying and assisting children at risk (RHEF)
Child abuse and neglect is the top problem affecting the health and well-being of Australian children. This program alerts health practitioners to the high prevalence of abuse and neglect among children who may be coming for other healthcare treatments. The program aims to facilitate health professionals in identifying children at risk for abuse and neglect and discusses issues on how to handle concerns and issues around notification, particularly in the rural setting.
This program will be broadcast on the 9th and 12th of October, is available for web stream viewing and as a downloadable audio MP3 file. For more details visit the Rural Health Education Foundation program page.
| 2007-09-24 00:00:00 |
Staff Bullying in Australian Schools
A national online survey of schoolteachers is investigating the bullying of teachers by parents and senior staff members. This follows the publication of research findings that reveal an alarming incidence of such workplace bullying in schools. A pilot survey, completed in 2005, revealed that 97.5 per cent of the participants had experienced some form of bullying in their career.
The University of New England is hosting the survey web site at 'Staff Bullying in Australian Schools', which will remain open until the 1st of October.
| 2007-09-20 00:00:00 |
Volunteers needed for Somazone youth website
The Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) receives many questions from young people through its Somazone website, asking about mental health, sexual health, relationship, body image and drug issues. They are seeking more health professionals to help answer them.
In particular, they’re interested in GPs, community and practice nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and AOD/ mental health/ sexual health/ relationship counsellors. For more information click here.
| 2007-09-18 00:00:00 |
Anxiety and Depression Awareness (ADA) Month
beyondblue: the national depression initiative is promoting October as Anxiety and Depression Awareness (ADA) Month, encouraging individuals and organisations to do whatever they can to raise awareness and increase people's understanding of these common conditions.
beyondblue's suggestions on how to participate can be found on the beyondblue website. Ideas range from displaying and distributing beyondblue materials at work to encouraging family and friends to visit a doctor for a physical and mental health checkup.
To register an interest call 03 9810 6100 and ask for Events. Information and promotional materials are available free of charge and can be ordered from the website or by calling the beyondblue distribution centre on 03 9810 6143.
| 2007-09-10 00:00:00 |
Helping people affected by drought-related trauma
The Australian Government is providing $10.1 million to help people living in drought-affected communities to deal with drought-related psychological trauma. Funding will be provided to 39 Divisions of General Practice around Australia to employ community support workers. These workers will provide crisis counselling and outreach services for people affected psychologically by the drought. Further funding is being provided to train workforce and community leaders to recognise and respond to the early warnings of emotional distress, and raise awareness of mental health issues and services.
For more information go to: Department of Health and Ageing media release.
| 2007-08-28 00:00:00 |
The media and older people – promoting the positive
Have you recently seen media articles or advertisements that portray older people in a positive light? If so, why not nominate them for the 2007 Older People Speak Out (OPSO) People’s Choice Awards? The OPSO People’s Choice Awards give an opportunity to recognise items in the media that accurately depict senior Australians as leading rich and fulfilling lives.
Award categories cover photography, advertising, print and electronic media. Entries close August 31, 2007.
Nomination forms are available from OPSO website, or by contacting Older People Speak Out on (07) 3219 2572.
(from Department of Health and Ageing ministerial media release).
| 2007-08-23 00:00:00 |
'Better Access to Mental Health Care': free video or DVD
The Better Access Initiative provides health care professionals with more tools and options to help recognise, address and support mental health issues in Australia. Specifically, a new series of Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) item numbers creates enhanced referral pathways for patients.
This program explores the Better Access Initiative and discusses what it means for the general practitioners, paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists who assist people with mental health disorders. The Rural Health Education Foundation is now able to offer copies of this program free of charge on video or DVD.
For more information go to: order form.
| 2007-08-16 00:00:00 |
Second national mental health survey
Seventeen thousand Australian households will be contacted for interviews about their mental health and wellbeing. About 300 Australian Bureau of Statistics staff will carry out these interviews from this month and over the next four months, giving a new insight into Australia’s mental health and wellbeing. This will be the second major epidemiological survey of its kind undertaken in Australia - 10 years after the first.
(source: Department of Health and Ageing)
| 2007-08-15 00:00:00 |
A Call for Contributions: “Mental Health and Homelessness”
The Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) and Psychiatric Disability Services of Victoria (VICSERV) will combine their resources to produce a joint edition of their respective publications, Parity and newparadigm. This new publication will address some of the key issues in the discussion of connections between mental health and homelessness. The suggested structure of the publication aims to look at: premises, policies, programs and practice.
Deadline: Friday 31st August 2007. For more information go to Council to Homeless Persons webpage.
| 2007-08-13 00:00:00 |
Reach Out Central: Online life skills game
Reach Out Central (R.O.C.), an online game designed to help improve and learn new life skills, is looking for young Australians who want to test-drive the game and be part of an online evaluation. Topics in R.O.C.include: making new friends, peer pressure, stress, anxiety, drug use, self confidence and anger management.
For more information go to Reachout Out Central.
| 2007-08-02 00:00:00 |
World Suicide Prevention Day LiFE Awards
Suicide Prevention Australia will once again be presenting the national LiFE Awards for contributions to suicide prevention. The LiFE Awards remind us of the outstanding work occurring in all walks of life, the need to recognise such contributions, and the importance of sharing the knowledge gained from this work.
Companies, organisations and individuals that work in all areas of suicide prevention will be recognised at the ceremony. The categories for the awards are:
- Business and Industry
- Media (Print)
- Media (Non-Print)
- Research (Lifetime)
- Research (Emerging)
- Indigenous
- Youth
- Public Sector
- Community.
Entries close on Thursday, 23rd August 2007. For more information go to SPA webpage.
| 2007-08-01 00:00:00 |
Muslim helpline launched
Australia's first Muslim telephone helpline has been launched in Sydney. The crisis hotline is part of a pilot project being run by the Muslim health charity Mission of Hope. The helpline will initially cover New South Wales, with some access for other states.
For more information go to AMAL webpage
| 2007-07-16 00:00:00 |
The Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) Project Grants: Evaluation of mental health service provision
The Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) invites applications from teams of researchers/service providers/clinicians/consumers & carers, for funding of a variety of mental health activities such as: grants to evaluate new or existing interventions/services designed to restore or promote the mental health of Australians.
For more information go to ARHRF webpage
| 2007-07-11 00:00:00 |
WA State Suicide Prevention Plan
The Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) has commenced consultations to establish a suicide prevention framework for WA. The MCSP in partnership with the Department of Health's Mental Health Network (MHN) has organised a series of community forums across the State in order to support the planning process.
For more information about the forums, or to read the consultation paper go to MCSP webpage.
Responses to the paper need to be submitted by August 15th 2007.
| 2007-07-09 00:00:00 |
Grants for youth and community from Foundation for Young Australians
The Foundation for Young Australians have a range of grant opportunities designed to support youth participation and community strengthening including:
- Indigenous Small Grants;
- The Spark Fund; and
- For Your Eyes Only.
These grants support and encourage a range of activities for individual young people, groups of young people or community groups.
For more information go to: Foundation for Young Australians.
| 2007-07-09 00:00:00 |
headspace: Call for Submissions – Second Funding Round
headspace is calling for submissions from organizations across Australia interested in establishing a Community of Youth Services. The Communities of Youth Services strategy is focused on building the capacity of local communities to identify early, and provide effective responses to young people aged 12-25 with mental health and related substance use issues.
Applications are required by the close of business on Monday 10th September 2007. For more information and application forms go to headspace website, phone (03) 8346 8213 or email funding@headspace.org.au.
| 2007-07-02 00:00:00 |
Postnatal Depression: RHEF national satellite television broadcast
Tuesday 10th July 8:00pm EST (repeated Friday 13th July 12:30pm EST)
Presented by the Rural Health Education Foundation this program examines the causes, risks, management and support systems for women with postnatal depression, their children, partners and families. Panellist include Dr Norman Swan (Chair), Professor Philip Boyce, Dr Nicole Highet, Ms Lynore Geia, Dr Jenny May and Debbie Lawford.
For more details about the program please visit RHEF webpage.
| 2007-06-25 00:00:00 |
Success stories in Indigenous health
Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) has just launched it's new website which features a special section of success stories in Indigenous health. The stories demonstrate that progress in improving Indigenous health is achieved when there is significant engagement with the Indigenous communities concerned and appropriate funding and support provided. The stories are from the ANTaR publication (of the same name), the AMA's 'the Good News', and others that have been submitted online.
To view or submit a story go to: Success Stories of Indigenous Health
| 2007-06-21 00:00:00 |
'Mental Health Community Based Program' funding information
The Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) is now calling for applications from experienced service providers to apply for Funding Round 1 of the Mental Health Community Based Program.
The Mental Health Community Based Program aims to support families, carers, children and young people (16-24years) affected by mental illness through a diverse range of community programs. The program will seek to build on family strengths and improve resilience and family functioning, particularly for Indigenous families and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Applications close on Friday 20 July 2007. For more information go to FaCSIA webpage
| 2007-06-19 00:00:00 |
Consortium to launch National Cannabis Control and Prevention Centre
A national consortium led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) has been selected to establish the National Cannabis Control and Prevention Centre. The centre would play an important role in providing information, particularly to young people, on the risks associated with cannabis use. It will also support the health sector and other services that work with people with cannabis-related problems and their families.
For more information go to: Press Release from the Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne.
| 2007-06-18 00:00:00 |
Review of National Standards for Mental Health Services
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) is currently reviewing the National Standards for Mental Health Services (NSMHS), under contract with the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing. An extensive consultation process will be undertaken over the next six to nine months to test and further develop a revised draft set of standards.
Dr Peter McGeorge, Chair of the NSMHS Steering Group is aiming for consultations to be as broad as possible and comments from consumers, the community, the industry and other interested groups and individuals are being sought.
For more information about the review process go to the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards webpage.
To take part in the online survey click here.
| 2007-06-13 00:00:00 |
Reach Out! Pro: a new service for mental health professionals
Reach Out! has been helping young people improve their mental health and wellbeing for the last 9 years and has been accessed by over 5.7 million visitors. In 2006 20% of those visitors have been professionals working with young people around their mental health difficulties.
Now a new website will be developed specifically to meet the needs of these professionals. ‘Reach Out! Pro’ will provide:
- Sector specific information;
- Evidence-based fact sheets;
- Online tutorials to support professional development with technology;
- Interactive feature to engage in discussions and networking; and
- Best practice case studies within a holistic care model.
To ensure Reach Out! Pro meets your professional needs you are invited to participate in an online survey. Everyone who completes the survey has the opportunity to enter into the draw to win a $200 travel voucher.
For more information please email info@reachoutpro.com.au
| 2007-06-06 00:00:00 |
Bringing Them Home: 10th anniversary
As part of the 10th anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report on May 26, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is producing a magazine style publication of stories, poems and photographs from Indigenous people across Australia who were removed from their families. HREOC is interested in receiving written and artistic submissions from Indigenous people that outline the personal experiences of removal from family. Please send all entries by 6th July 2007.
For more information about the publication and other anniversary activities go to HREOC Bringing Them Home page.
| 2007-06-04 00:00:00 |
'Don't beat about the bush': beyondblue's National Drought Campaign 2007
In response to the tough times country people are experiencing, beyondblue, is working with a range of government and non-government agencies to launch a special National Drought Campaign. The 'Don't beat about the bush' Campaign aims to increase awareness of depression, show people where they can get help and provide mental health support for communities.
For more information about activities and resources for this campaign go to: Don't beat about the bush webpage.
| 2007-05-30 00:00:00 |
Indigenous mental health: an interview with Professor Ernest Hunter
The Rural Health Education Foundation (RHEF) will broadcast this interview on the 6th June 2007. Professor Ernest Hunter discusses the serious challenges facing Indigenous mental health in Australia. While providing programs or services for specific mental health problems is important, Professor Hunter notes that it is critical to look into the key driving factors. Issues such as self-harm, violence, petrol-sniffing, and suicide can all be linked to an Indigenous community's general welfare, largely determined by the community's level of autonomy and political control.
For more information go to RHEF webpage
| 2007-05-23 00:00:00 |
Multicultural Mental Health Australia Survey
Multicultural Mental Health Australia have conducted a survey to identify the professional development needs of those working in the mental health sector. Many respondents identified that key priorities in professional training including knowing where and how to obtain cultural assistance and understanding cultural beliefs in mental health and mental illness. Others identified promoting good mental health, working with families, understanding risks and protective factors and the impact of culture and religion on mental health, as priority areas.
It was apparent that participants embraced a more holistic approach in addressing issues outside the biomedical framework (eg. spirituality, cultural beliefs and family dynamics). This broadened perspective can help to extend mental health services from intervention to prevention - ie. tapping into the strengths (resilience) and recognising risk factors early.
For more information, including links to the survey report, go to MMHA web page
| 2007-05-16 00:00:00 |
Better Access to Mental Health Care
Rural Health Education Foundation (RHEF) pre-recorded Satellite Television Broadcast: Tuesday 29th May 8pm EST (repeated Friday 1st June 12:30pm EST).
This program explores the Better Access Initiative and discusses what it means for the General Practitioners, paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists who assist people with mental health disorders. Case studies illustrate the practical application of the Better Access Initiative in the clinical setting, and an expert panel discusses the consequences for rural and remote GPs and allied health practitioners.
For more information go to RHEF program page
| 2007-05-10 00:00:00 |
National Youth Commission [NYC] inquiry into youth homelessness
With some 33,000 homeless young people in Australia without a safe place to call home each night, the current inquiry is examining why youth homelessness continues to be a major problem in Australia. It will gather evidence on the issue of youth homelessness and seek input from all stakeholders including service providers, government agencies,
community organizations and homeless young people.
The inquiry is underway with first round hearings already held in Hobart, Townsville, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Warrnambool and Wagga Wagga. If you missed the hearings, you can still participate by sending in a written submission (closing date: 15 June 2007) or by doing an on-line submission via the NYC website.
Further information about the inquiry and ways to participate can be found on the NYC website: http://www.nyc.net.au.
| 2007-05-10 00:00:00 |
On-line Multicultural Mental Health Database
Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA) is compiling a national on-line database of multicultural mental health and associated services. The objective of the database is to increase collaboration and accessibility to information and resources for carers. consumers, researchers, health-care workers etc.
If you would like to include your service, resources, research or project in the national database, please contact info@mmha.org.au or fax (02) 9840 3388 for a form. Once finalised, the database will be accessible on the MMHA website
| 2007-05-09 00:00:00 |
Evaluation of headspace: the National Youth Mental Health Foundation -
Tenders are invited for the independent evaluation of headspace: the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The evaluation will assess the extent to which headspace is effectively expanding the capacity of the Australian community to respond to young people with mental health and associated issues, as well as achieving improvements in the mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation of young people.
For more information go to headspace website or contact Peter Orchard on (03) 8346 8213, email porchard@headspace.org.au
| 2007-05-09 00:00:00 |
Personal Helpers and Mentors Program
The Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) is providing funding to increase the level of social support and community based care for people with a mental illness. The 'Personal Helpers and Mentors Program' aims to create opportunities for recovery for people with a severe functional limitation resulting from a severe mental illness by helping them to overcome social isolation and increase their connections to their community.
The application process that sought experienced service providers to deliver the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program in 28 Demonstration Sites across Australia was announced on 5 April 2007. The department is now calling for applications from experienced service providers to deliver Round 2 of the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program.
For more information go to: FaCSIA mental health page
| 2007-05-07 00:00:00 |
New counselling service for CALD men
Mensline Australia is a 24-7 telephone counselling service that has been helping Australian men for six years. While it has been providing Australian men, from all over the country, with family and relationship support, information and referrals, the service has discovered that it hasn't been reaching everyone.
After learning that Indigenous and younger men; as well as men from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds haven't been using the service, Mensline has launched a new program called the Cultural Xchange project. This federally funded project will employ interns with training in men's telephone counselling to engage more closely with these target groups. The 12-month program will initially focus on men aged between 18 and 25; and men with Indigenous, Arabic and Vietnamese backgrounds.
Mensline Australia: 1300 78 99 78.
(Source: Multicultural Mental Health Australia)
| 2007-05-01 00:00:00 |
SBS TV to re-broadcast Rural Health Education Foundation programs
Beginning Thursday 17 May, SBS Television will re-broadcast three Rural Health Education Foundation documentary programs on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' health issues:
Start Strong (Tuesday 17th May 3.30pm)
Grow Strong (Tuesday 24th May 3.30pm)
Keep Safe (Tuesday 31st May 3.30pm)
Visit the RHEF website for further information.
| 2007-04-19 00:00:00 |
New mental health program targets young people in drought-affected Australia
Australian Red Cross and beyondblue: the national depression initiative, are about to begin a groundbreaking mental health project targeting young people in drought affected areas across Queensland, NSW and Victoria. The project will train young people to provide support to peers who may be experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health problems.
Australian Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner said 'Our experience backs up research which shows young people are likely to turn to each other first when dealing with these sort of problems and it is vital that they are better equipped to help their mates. Our goal is to train 2000 young people in awareness about mental health and in how to help their mates who may be experiencing difficulties. We also aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to encourage young people to seek professional assistance early'.
For more information go Red Cross webslite
| 2007-04-04 00:00:00 |
Help make 'Australia Fair'
The Australia Fair initiative aims to raise awareness and support for a fair deal for all Australians (including those with mental illness or other disadvantaged groups) – in health, housing, work and other ways.
Established by the Australian Council of Social Service, the initiative wants to encourage discussion, action, solutions and connections between communities to make Australia fair.
For more information go to : the website
| 2007-03-22 00:00:00 |
Drinking too much and depressed?
Depression and anxiety tend to go hand in hand with people who drink excessively. However, people who suffer from these co-existing conditions are reluctant to receive any assistance. The Australian Centre for Addiction Research (ACAR) is currently developing a nation-wide correspondence program that would tackle drinking and depression/anxiety. Participants will be taught strategies on how to manage their moods and/or alcohol intake.
If you are interested in the National Co-morbidity Management Program and would like more information please contact ACAR either via email or by phone on 1800 006 577.
| 2007-03-21 00:00:00 |
No one size fits all: alcohol treatment guidelines for Indigenous Australians
The Rural Health Education Foundation presents a satelite broadcast on this important issue. Consumption of alcohol is linked to many chronic conditions and is a major contributor to injury, trauma, violence and self harm. It impacts socially and economically on individuals, families and communities at all levels.
The Australian Government's Alcohol Treatment Guidelines for Indigenous Australians provide guidance for health professionals who work with Indigenous Australians who are affected by alcohol-related problems.
This program presents the Guidelines and discusses how they will assist health professionals to manage and treat Indigenous clients in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way.
This program will be broadcast on Tuesday 27th March. For more information go to RHEF website
| 2007-03-06 00:00:00 |
Support for Day to Day Living in the Community Program: grant information
Experienced non-government and Indigenous-specific primary health care organisations working with mental health are invited to apply for funding (from the Department of Health and Ageing) to provide Support for Day to Day Living in the Community programs (D2DL) in selected areas.
The D2DL Programs will provide $46 million over 5 years to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness¸ by providing additional places in structured and socially-based activity programs. This is part of the Australian Government's commitment to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health.
For more information go to Department of Health and Ageing webpage
| 2007-03-05 00:00:00 |
Grants announcement from headspace (National Youth Mental Health Foundation)
headspace is pleased to announce the successful applicants for both large and small grants from round one of the Youth Services Development Fund. The grants funding has been made available by the Australian Government to improve access and care for teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 25 years. For more information go to the headspace website
The second funding round will open shortly and will be announced via email and in all major newspapers.
| 2007-02-15 00:00:00 |
People Suffering from Depression Sought For Treatment Study (SA)
People (18 - 79 years) suffering from depression are sought to participate in this study. The purpose of this research is to explore the best indicators of depression and its treatment. Findings from this study may help determine which future treatment depressed patients will or will not respond to, even before treatment is administered.
This study is run by Flinders University in conjunction with The Brain Dynamics Centre, Sydney, under the auspices of Professor Richard Clark, Flinders University and Professor Alexander McFarlane, University of Adelaide.
For more information click here.
| 2007-02-13 00:00:00 |
Associate Professor in Community Mental Health
The Edith Cowan University has established a new position of Associate Professor in Community Mental Health. The position will assume a central role in a newly established research centre that has a key focus on modes of mental health care, particularly prevention, early intervention and community care. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to work collaboratively in research and other academic cross-sectoral activity and provide stewardship in Western Australia in improving the State’s mental health care service, and education and training.
For more details click here.
A further vacancy exists for a Senior Lecturer, Community Mental Health (Level C). Obtain the position descriptions and selection criteria by email to richard@exec-search.com.au or call Richard Hazlewood on 08 9481 7033.
| 2007-01-25 00:00:00 |
National Standards for Mental Health Services - Review
The National Standards for Mental Health Services, first published in 1996, are being reviewed. The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards is seeking feedback (via a survey) about the Standards and how they have been implemented.
The Standards can be downloaded as a pdf document here
To access the survey click here
Please return the survey by 7 February 2007.
If you require any further information contact Svetlana Aristidi on tel: (02) 8218 2733 or via email: saristidi@achs.org.au or Anne Rauch on tel: (02) 8218 2734 or via email: arauch@achs.org.au
| 2007-01-18 00:00:00 |
Training calendar
The Mental Health Co-ordinating Council is putting together its bi-annual calendar of training opportunities for workers and volunteers in the NGO mental health sector. The calendar will be distributed to MHCC members and other intersted gropus and individuals. It will also be available in a searchable database on MHCC's website.
If your organisation is offering any training over the next 6 months which you would like to publicise in the calendar please contact Sue Wicks or Heidi Freeman: Ph: 02 9555 8388 ext 107.
| 2007-01-15 00:00:00 |
Altering States, Creating Futures Conference: call for information about current ‘PPEI’ work
This conference invites your debate on how we can create a new mental health system to meet the needs of people with mental illness, support family and friends and promote the wellbeing of our communities.
People with mental illness may need medical intervention, but this is just part of the picture. People also need support in the community, access to housing and jobs, and meaningful relationships. The ‘Altering states’ Conference wants to hear of any cutting edge promotion, prevention or early intervention work you've been doing recently. If you are interested in submitting information please go to: conference website
Or contact: Jeff Cheverton,
Executive director, The Queensland Alliance of mental illness and psychiatric disability groups inc.
Ph:(07) 3832 2600
Email: jeff@qldalliance.org.au
| 2007-01-09 00:00:00 |
Indigenous Health and Global Health Watch
Global Health Watch provides an alternative assessment of the gross inequalities in health worldwide and makes recommendations for new approaches to some of the most intractable health problems in the world today. Global Health Watch 2007/2008 will be published late in 2007 or early 2008.
To ensure that indigenous health issues are covered GHW is requesting assistance and input in collecting, writing or reviewing content, eg:
- Human interest stories reflecting the impact of global health issues on indigenous communities;
- Specific policy issues or information on indigenous health issues, also relating to the specific chapters planned for GHW2.
For more information go to http://www.ghwatch.org/ or contact bridget@hst.org.za
| 2007-01-09 00:00:00 |
RMIT research: the impact of cognitive behavioural program in treatment of obesity
RMIT University is offering free treatment programs to assist adolescents experiencing weight problems. The prevalence of overweight adolescents has increased dramatically in recent years. Overweight children & adolescents are likely to become overweight adults and to experience physical and psychosocial problems. Overweight adolescents (12 to 18 years) experiencing difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight are eligible to participate. For more information about the project please contact Dr Leah Brennan on
(03) 9925 6572 or at "choosehealth@rmit.edu.au
Noticeboard items for the current year can be found here.