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Content about Mental health

January 24, 2012
ARAFMI's Mental Health First Aid Training: Feb - Aug 2012

ARAFMI's Mental Health First Aid courses are back in 2012! Bookings required! Call 02 93320777 or email, admin@arafmi.org

ARAFMI will be running the mental health first aid training program again in 2012. Anyone wanting to equip themselves with knowledge on dealing with those suffering mental illness should register for the course. Courses will be run between February and August 2012.

Bookings essential!  To register phone 02 93320777 or email admin@arafmi.org.

May 2, 2012
National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: YOUR input sought by 8th May 2012!

Australians wishing to have their say as part of the National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention should complete the online survey before Tuesday 8th May 2012.  The survey is available in multiple languages. Please access online survey through the mental health commission website link. www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/report_card

Then, click on Report Card Survey box.

Online survey for National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

The National Mental Health Commission is preparing the The National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. 

Vital input is being sought from all Australians on what information should be included in the Report Card to drive change and help improve the lives of people experiencing mental health issues or who are at risk of suicide, and the lives of their families and carers.

April 27, 2012
Four Studies and a Tribunal

Since October 2011 there have been no less than four significant empirical studies or inquiries (including a Legislative Council inquiry) published reviewing the work of the NSW MHRT.

Combined these provide some remarkable and valuable insights into the functioning of this body, and the dedication of the people working within the Tribunal system. The four studies are,

  • “The NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal - An analysis of clients, matters and determinations”(October 2011);
  • The monograph “Australian Mental Health Tribunals – Space for Fairness, Freedom, Protection and Treatment” (31 October 2011);
  • the Communio ‘Evaluation of the Efficiency and Cost of the Mental Health Inquiry System’ Report (30 January 2012); and
  • The Report of the Law and Justice Standing Committee of the Legislative Council on “Opportunities to consolidate tribunals in NSW” (March 2012).

New South Wales is in a very fortunate position in 2012 as it comes to review the Mental Health Act and specifically the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) which is set up and functions under this Act, because since October 2011 there have been no less than four significant empirical studies or inquiries (including a Legislative Council inquiry) published reviewing the work of the NSW MHRT.

January 30, 2012
ARAFMI NSW CEO Keiran Booth accredited as a Master Trainer for Mental Health First Aid

NSW’s CEO-Keiran Booth has just been accredited as a  ‘Master Mental Health First Aid Trainer’ by Official Mental Health First Aid authorities.  Mental Health First aid is a 12-hour course designed to give members of the public some skills to identify and assist someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis situation.

January 30, 2012
Summary of the NSW Mental Health Commission Bill 2011

The NSW Parliament will soon be debating and passing legislation to set up a new Mental Health Commission for New South Wales. Here is a summary of the Bill.

As most carers and consumers of mental health services will be aware, the NSW Parliament will soon be debating and passing legislation to set up a new Mental Health Commission for New South Wales. The Commission has been put forward as a means of allowing the NSW government to listen better to the experiences of consumers and carers as a means of improving mental health services. However, many issues about what it is to do and how have still to be completely resolved.

January 30, 2012
Summary of the NSW Mental Health Commission Bill 2011

The NSW Parliament will soon be debating and passing legislation to set up a new Mental Health Commission for New South Wales. Here is a summary of the Bill.

As most carers and consumers of mental health services will be aware, the NSW Parliament will soon be debating and passing legislation to set up a new Mental Health Commission for New South Wales. The Commission has been put forward as a means of allowing the NSW government to listen better to the experiences of consumers and carers as a means of improving mental health services. However, many issues about what it is to do and how have still to be completely resolved.

January 30, 2012
What’s Happening in Mental Health in 2012?

There are a number of major developments scheduled for the mental health area in 2012. Find out more about what’s on and how you can participate or make your views known about reforms and reviews taking place this year on areas like, the development of the national 10 Year Road Map for Mental Health, the commencement of the new National and NSW Mental Health Commissions and the scheduled review of the NSW Mental Health Act.

There are a number of major developments scheduled for the mental health area in 2012. Find out more about what’s on and how you can participate or make your views known about reforms and reviews taking place this year.

 National Mental Health Commission

 The Australian National Mental Health Commission is scheduled to start operations in 2012, having been allocated a budget of 32 million over 5 years. The role of the National Commission is to:

October 31, 2011
Walks of Pride 2011

Community walks against the stigma of mental illness have been staged for Mental Health Month. The 'Walk of Pride' idea has now been picked up throughout NSW by ARAFMI Branches as well as in other states in Australia.

This year Mental Health Week 2011 ran from October 9 till 15th and there was no better way to kick off the week than to participate in the ‘Walk of Pride’!

The ‘Walk of Pride’ began at the ARAFMI (Hunter) branch and started out as a community anti-stigma event promoting visibility of mental illness and encouraging community participation in mental health issues.

October 25, 2011
Consumer Experiences of Care Project

The Consumer Experiences of Care Project aims to roadtest  a Consumer Experiences of Care Survey tool geared to measure recovery oriented care the consumer receives  from mental health services and  devise  method to best report on this. More details here:  NMH-CEoC Ebulletin 1.pdf

A mental health consumer experiences of care survey and the process to develop it was begun in 2010 as a  Federal Department of Health and Aging (DoHA) driven initiative .  

The Victorian Department of Health has been asked to assist in progressing this work by setting the Consumer Experiences of Care Project. The main purpose of the project is to to develop a suitable survey tool that can be used in clinical adult public health services.

September 2, 2011
‘Capacity’ and Consent in Mental Health Treatment

‘Capacity’ is the ability to understand the nature, purpose and consequence of any act or transaction which one enters into. Having sufficient ‘capacity’ is necessary for a person to be able to make almost any legally binding decision, such as entering a contract, giving informed consent to medical treatment or authorising access to confidential medical information. Yet capacity can be seriously affected by mental illness. Learn more about how this issue is handled in the context of mental health treatment.

July 28, 2011
A Breath of Fresh Air

Mental Illness can change a person. And not always for the worse. Watching However there are obstacles. Not everyone is willing to understand and support. And never is stigma so apparent than in the field of employment...

Mental Illness can change a person. And not always for the worse. Watching my family struggle to understand me taught me how to appreciate peoples efforts to maintain my wellness. However there are obstacles. Not everyone is willing to understand and support. And never is stigma so apparent than in the field of employment. If you do not disclose  your illness you may keep your job but live with feelings of guilt  loneliness and isolation, and the constant fear that you may have an episode at work.

July 28, 2011
What is a carer?...

In the last issue, the role of ARAFMI’s (the Association of Friends and Family of the Mentally Ill) , as the peak carer organisation specifically set up by carers of people living with mental illness to support other carers facing challenges in their role, was explained.  In this issue, the focus on mental health carers continues, to firstly explain “What is a carer?” more specifically the characteristics of a mental health carer, and how State and Federal Mental Health laws define them.

In the last issue, the role of ARAFMI’s (the Association of Friends and Family of the Mentally Ill) , as the peak carer organisation specifically set up by carers of people living with mental illness to support other carers facing challenges in their role, was explained.  In this issue, the focus on mental health carers continues, to firstly explain “What is a carer?” more specifically the characteristics of a mental health carer, and how State and Federal Mental Health laws define them.

 Definition of a Carer

May 27, 2011
Do you know how to apply ‘Mental Health First Aid’?

Do you know how to approach a person who suffers depression? Do you know how to help a person experiencing a panic attack? Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW (ARAFMI NSW) conducts monthly mental health first aid training to deal with these situations. Next training days are 10-11th November. Call ARAFMI  02 9332-0777, or email admin@arafmi.org.

Do you know how to approach a person who suffers from depression? Do you know how to help a person who is experiencing a panic attack? Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW (ARAFMI NSW) is conducting mental health first aid training on a monthly basis. The next available training sessions will be held on the 10-11th November 2011.

May 25, 2011
Partners in Mental Health Resource Centre

These resources are available to the public and can be borrowed by students or other people with an interest in these topics for their education and/ or personal use. The Resource Centre Library Catalogue is attached below for the information of people who might like to use this service.

Mental Health Carers ARAFMI NSW’s Sydney office is co-located with the Mental Health Association of NSW and the NSW Consumer Advisory Group (the ‘Partners in Mental Health’) in Suite 501, Level 5 at 80 William Street in Woolloomooloo.

May 18, 2011
SANE Australia Survey: Working life and mental illness

With about 45 per cent of Australians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, there is little doubt that we all will be affected – directly or indirectly – by a mental health problem, while at work.  
 

With about 45 per cent of Australians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, there is little doubt that we all will be affected – directly or indirectly – by a mental health problem, while at work.  

May 11, 2011
Mental Health Association Magazine

The MHA produces a members’ magazine that appeals to a broad spectrum of readers and is currently are seeking contributions from consumers and carers.

The Mental Health Assoc NSW (MHA) is one of ARAFMI NSW’s Partners in Mental health (along with the NSW Consumer Advisory Group). The MHA produces a members’ magazine that appeals to a broad spectrum of readers. We currently are seeking contributions from consumers and carers. That may be you! Theywant to hear what activities you are involved in that may enhance understanding of mental health issues in your community. Theyalso want to hear what people are doing for themselves to maintain or improve their level of wellbeing.

April 20, 2011
Youth mental health and jobs

Mental illness is a barrier to employment and training. Almost a third of the people on the disability pension have a mental illness.

Mental illness is a barrier to employment and training. Almost a third of the people on the disability pension have a mental illness.

A federal parliamentary inquiry is examining the barriers that exist in education and the workplace.

We hear from youth mental health researcher Eoin Killackey who is making a submission to the inquiry.

 

(ABC LifeMatters audio):

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2011/3189669.htm

March 21, 2011
Mental Health Reform Update

The  Federal Minister for Mental Health and Aging, Mark Butler gives an update on what the Gillard Government is doing to advance vital reforms in mental health across Australia.

I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on what the Gillard Government is doing to advance vital reforms in mental health. We know that mental health is an issue that is firmly on the minds of many Australians.

 As I am sure you would be aware, the Prime Minister identified mental health reform as a major priority for this term of government. That is why she appointed me as the first ever Commonwealth Minister for Mental Health.

March 16, 2011
Inspiring Presentation at a Mental Health Forum by Eva Cox - a Carer's Perspective

In late 2010 I attended a Mental Health Carer Forum at which Eva Cox gave a very inspiring presentation. I would like to share her ideas with those of you who were unable to attend.

 In late 2010 I attended a Mental Health Carer Forum at which Eva Cox gave a very inspiring presentation. I would like to share her ideas with those of you who were unable to attend.

The area of Mental Health and how we as a society address the myriad of issues relating to it was the theme. Rather than bandaid solutions passed on through government initiatives, that we as carers are all too aware rarely offer profound long-term solutions, Eva suggests we try to think outside the square -to try to understand the underlying causes of the mental health epidemic.

March 16, 2011
Mens Suicide Prevention Forum 15th February 2011

Anne Stedman and other volunteers from ARAFMI Central Coast recently manned an information stall along with other service providers at the Mens Suicide Prevention Forum and gives the following detailed account of proceedings.

Anne Stedman and other volunteers from ARAFMI Central Coast recently manned an information stall along with other service providers at the Mens Suicide Prevention Forum. The Forum was organised by the Suicide Safety Network( Central Coast) www.suicidesafetynetwork.com  and was held at Central Coast Leaugues Club. It was split into two sessions, one addressing service providers and the other open to the general public.

March 16, 2011
Speech and Tips for Carers before the Mental Health Review Tribunal by the Tribunal President.

The Hon Greg James QC was guest speaker to the ARAFMI NSW Annual General meeting and his interesting speech included some useful tips for carers with loved ones appearing before the Tribunal.

The Hon Greg James QC was guest speaker to the ARAFMI NSW Annual General meeting and his interesting speech included some useful tips for carers with loved ones appearing before the Tribunal.

November 9, 2010
National Standards for Mental Health Services 2010

 National Standards for Mental Health Services were released by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing in September 2010.

The first National standards for mental health services were developed in 1996. A review of the standards was completed in 2008.

The Australian Health Ministers' Conference endorsed the revised standards in September 2010. The revised standards have a greater emphasis on recovery and will be implemented within a diverse range of mental health services - public, private and non-government organisations, and where mental health care is delivered such as drug and alcohol services, community based mental health services and primary care.

October 27, 2010
Mental health care needs a new approach

The following blog was posted by Australian of the Year and mental health activist, Pat McGorry on his website on 10 September 2010. To view more blog posts by Pat McGorry, visit Pat McGorry's website.

October 27, 2010
Survey: How well is NSW addressing mental health carer’s issues?

Complete our survey to help us make a better environment for NSW carers.

To complete our survey, please fill out the attached form and email to sunny.hemraj@arafmi.org.

Your feedback is highly valued and will help us make a better environment for NSW mental health carers.

October 27, 2010
The linking physical and mental health…it makes sense (LPMH) initiative

This initiative was launched by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health, Mental Health in May 2009 with the release of a set of Guidelines and a Policy Directive for mental health staff.

The linking physical and mental health…it makes sense(LPMH) initiative was launched by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health, Mental Health in May 2009 with the release of a set of Guidelines and a Policy Directive for mental health staff. 

View the attached document concerning this initiative.