CEO Update: Making child and youth mental health a priority
30 October 2024
CEO Message
CEO Update: Making child and youth mental health a priority
The results of a recent national mental health in education survey underline the significant role educators and the education system play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Beyond Blue’s Be You Mental Health in Education Report highlights the challenges educators and young people are facing.
77 per cent of educators said the top health concern impacting children and young people is mental health, and only 38 per cent of respondents believe their colleagues are mentally healthy, with high levels of turnover and other stressors contributing factors.
The report highlights the need to better support both educators and students, and the opportunities for mental health promotion and early intervention through the education system. As the report suggests, this can be achieved by strengthening leadership support available to educators; embedding mental health training in pre-service education; providing paid time for educators to engage with wellbeing initiatives; and investing in dedicated wellbeing support roles.
Evidence of the effectiveness of targeted mental health and wellbeing resourcing in improving whole of school capacity to support student mental health and wellbeing is growing, as shown in the Murdoch Institute’s Mental Health in Primary School (MiPS) program.
The role of families and communities – including education settings – in mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children from birth to 12 years is the focus of the Australian Government’s National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Initiated in October 2021, the Strategy also provides a framework to guide crucial investment in the mental health and wellbeing of children and their families, including in the education setting.
In August, I welcomed the Health and Mental Health Ministers’ commitment to making child and youth mental health a key focus of their next meeting. Working in collaboration with our members, Mental Health Australia will provide advice to Health and Mental Health Ministers ahead of this meeting in early 2025, to address the concerning trends in child and youth mental health.
Our advice will emphasise the importance of funding for full implementation of the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
By increasing both mental health system supports and prevention and connection across other sectors, we can create the truly holistic mental health and wellbeing support structures that our children and young people, and their supporters, need to thrive.
Carolyn Nikoloski
CEO, Mental Health Australia
The diary next week
- Today I am joining SANE's Digital Navigation Governance Workshop, then will be dialling into the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum – Sexual Safety of Consumers in Mental Health Inpatient Units webinar. I will also be meeting with the National Mental Health Commission and Mental Health Australia member, Dementia Australia.
- Tomorrow I am meeting with Suicide Prevention Australia and Roses in the Ocean.
- On Friday I am meeting with the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum Co-Chairs, the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance and Mental Health Carers Australia.
Mental Health Australia's submission on draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Mental Health Australia has provided a submission to the National Suicide Prevention Office’s consultation on their Draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. This submission supports the proposed whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention, and makes recommendations to support implementation of the strategy and strengthen recognition of the role of the mental health system in suicide prevention.
Click on the button below to view the submission.
Mental Health News
Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry delivers its final report to the Australian Government
The final report to government examining the national response to COVID-19 has been delivered. The report follows an exhaustive 12 months of review and engagement. The inquiry received over 2200 public submissions and hosted more than 20 roundtables looking at the impact of the pandemic on key sectors and communities.
The report can be accessed at the button below.
Alcohol and Other Drugs health hearings underway
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has convened a series of public hearings in support of its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia, concluding today in Brisbane. Committee Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, said the Committee had received a large number of written submissions highlighting several issues including the stigma preventing early intervention, links between substance use and domestic violence, and opportunities for better service integration.
New Beyond Blue data reveals significant mental health concerns
Educators in Australia believe that only 38 percent of their colleagues are mentally healthy, according to Beyond Blue's National Mental Health in Education Survey, part of Beyond Blue's Be You mental health in education initiative. The survey gathered insights from 2630 educators working in early learning services and schools and those studying to become educators. Clear barriers to educator wellbeing were identified, including high levels of staff turnover, workforce shortages, a lack of resources to enable leadership support, time constraints, and the impact of increased critical incidents within the education sector.
Encouraging young people to apply for new youth advisory groups
Applications have opened for the Albanese Government's 2025 Youth Advisory Groups. The advisory groups will seek to represent young people from diverse backgrounds, including young people with disability, with lived experience of mental ill-health, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Report calls for regulatory reform to tackle health impacts of gambling
A new Lancet Commission report reveals that gambling harms, which include mental health problems, relationship breakdown, heightened risk of suicide and domestic violence, increased crime, and loss of employment, are far more substantial than previously understood, and are exacerbated by the increased visibility of the gambling industry through digital and online platforms. The report says an estimated 80 million adults worldwide experience gambling disorder or problematic gambling. Lancet Commission member Dr Angela Rintoul expressed concern over the Australian Government's failure to respond to urgent cross-party recommendations from the Murphy Inquiry.
One in six young Australians in carer role
More than 16 per cent of young adults in Australia are acting in a caring role for someone with a long-term health condition or chronic illness, according to a new ANU survey asking 16-17-year-olds from across the country about their caring responsibilities.
Exploring how our mental health system must nurture kids for lifelong mental wellbeing (NSW)
Australians for Mental Health and the NSW Council of Social Services urged governments to better understand and address the connection between childhood conditions and adult experiences of mental health, at a forum at NSW Parliament last week. On the back of groundbreaking research conducted earlier this year by the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre which found that childhood maltreatment in Australia causes up to 40 percent of common, life-long mental health conditions, the panel examined the status quo for kids in NSW and made the case for early support for families and children.
New early intervention service to support Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence (NSW)
Federal Minister for Social Services the Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, NSW Minister for Families and Communities the Hon. Kate Washington MP, and NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty the Hon. David Harris MP, say a new early intervention family program will deliver crucial therapeutic, trauma-informed and culturally safe support to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and their children to help disrupt the cycle of abuse. Funded with $13 million under the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government, Safe and Strong uses a dual model of early intervention support for both victim-survivors and their children who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family violence.
Tender open for Peel mental health and eating disorders service (WA)
The Cook Government has released a tender to fit out a new community mental health service that will have a dedicated entrance and separate treatment and consultation rooms. Research has shown that the best way to support people experiencing eating disorders is through a mix of hospital-based acute services and community services.
Consultation open for the development of the 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy (TAS)
The Tasmanian Government is continuing to do all we can to ensure Tasmanians are as healthy and happy as possible, with consultation on a new 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy now open. The Discussion Paper seeks community input into ways the Government can shape this new strategy, so that it meets the needs of all Tasmanians.
ACT Government investment in community sector plummets 30 percent as a proportion of all government expenditure (ACT)
Despite the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, ACT Government investment in the community sector as a proportion of all government expenditure decreased by 30% between 2009-10 and 2022-23, according to new analysis by ACTCOSS. CEO Dr Kevin Bowles said Canberra is predicted to have the fastest population growth rate of any jurisdiction in Australia, but current funding contracts to community organisations do not reflect this, leaving Canberrans further and further behind.
Mental Health Opportunities and Resources
You Are Knot Alone – tomorrow is Blue Knot National Awareness Day
Blue Knot Foundation calls on everyone nationwide to unite in support of more than 5 million Australian adults who have experienced complex trauma on Blue Know National Awareness Day.
Wear a blue knot to help raise awareness and show your support for building a trauma-informed community. Let's raise greater awareness of complex trauma, advocate for recovery, and help spread the message that people can and do heal from complex trauma with the right support.
Find out more about how to get involved at the button below.
Peer Workforce Readiness Checklist for mental health organisations
The National Mental Health Carer and Consumer Forum, in collaboration with Lived Experience Australia, has published their Peer Workforce Readiness Checklist for mental health organisations.
Peer workers are the positive result of individuals who have accessed services and implemented their own recovery strategies, and the families/carers/kin who have supported their journey. The Checklist provides deeper understanding of how to integrate a peer workforce successfully, supporting organisations delivering mental health services to better understand the people they serve and their needs.
The Checklist has been developed as a practical planning and reflective tool to assist organisations to recognise and implement a comprehensive plan to incorporate and strengthen a peer workforce.
Read more about the Checklist at the button below.
Consultation on reforms to the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office
The Department of Health and Aged Care is leading consultation on reforms to strengthen the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) and National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO), part of a process of reform to reset and strengthen the NMHC and NSPO announced in the 2024-25 Budget.
The reforms respond to the findings of the 2023 Independent Investigation into the Commission and aims to position the NMHC and NSPO for long-term success.
A Discussion Paper has been prepared to help frame input. Responses to the paper can be submitted via the Online Survey: Strengthening the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office. The consultation closes on 18 November 2024.
NDIS Pricing consultations
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) is running consultations on NDIS Pricing. The NDIS Review recommended the Australian Government should transition responsibility for advising on NDIS pricing to IHACPA. The Australian Government has not yet announced whether it will implement this recommendation. In this consultation process IHACPA is looking to hear about:
- what you think is important to consider in pricing the NDIS
- how pricing approaches can best operate
- what does and doesn't work.
You can contribute via workshops (both in person and online), online submissions, answering a list of questions or sharing ideas in Easy Read. Find out more about this consultation process by visiting the IHACPA website.
Have your say: Consultations underway to inform design and delivery of Foundational Supports
Foundational Supports are additional supports for people with disability. They will sit alongside the NDIS and existing services in the community.
The Australian Government wants to hear from people with disability, parents, families and the sector to help design Foundational Supports.
There will be different types of Foundational Supports. The Department of Social Services is starting consultation on just some of these supports, called general supports. These are for all people with disability aged under 65. Depending on your interests, you can join discussions about supports like:
- information and advice
- self-advocacy
- peer supports
- capacity building.
Have your say before 30 November 2024 by:
- adding to an online ideas wall
- completing an online questionnaire or uploading a submission
- attending an event near you or online.
Visit www.engage.dss.gov.au/Foundational-Supports to have your say or for more information.
HumanAbility CHC Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs: Qualification Review
HumanAbility, the Australian Government Jobs and Skills Council supporting industries including Children’s Education and Care, Health and Human Services, has announced the start of its Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs: Qualification Review project in response to the need for improvements to mental health services in areas including awareness of mental health issues and co-existing conditions, developments in design and delivery of services and recognition of the role of the peer/lived experience workforce.
Learn more about the project and consultation strategy at the button below.
ANZACATA Conference 2024, 15 - 16 November, Melbourne
The 2024 Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) Conference is being held at the Ibis Melbourne this November. The program includes special guest presenters Dr Dave Gussak (Florida State University) and Professor Rainbow Tin Hung Ho (University of Hong Kong), and optional workshops.
Find out more at the button below.
It's the last chance for young people aged 12 - 18 to complete the third national online survey on body image. The BodyKind Youth Survey helps Butterfly understand the body image experiences of young Australians and get young peoples’ views on what needs to change to create a more BodyKind Australia.
Participants can win one of 20 gift vouchers.
Further information and a link to the survey is available at the button below.
Reminder: Invitation to the Kip Enderby Memorial Lecture 2024, Dismantling systemic racism – perspectives from First Nations peoples
The Australian Human Rights Commission invites you to attend this year’s free online Kip Enderby Memorial Lecture this Friday 1 November. CEO of First Nations Collective Marni Tuala will deliver this year's oration, and share the findings of extensive consultations with First Nations peoples across Australia about their experiences of racism and recommendations for systemic change.
Read more at the button below.
2024 Rural Mental Health Conference is coming in November
Cairns, Queensland 6 - 8 November: mark the dates in your calendar now for this year’s Rural Mental Health Conference.
This event is the place to be if you work in mental or allied health within rural and remote communities or with companies that support better mental health outcomes for rural communities.
Register now for the 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health
Spanning three days across 19 - 22 November, the Conference main program will be offered over eleven concurrent streams each day. The diverse range of topics covered in each stream will explore the intersection between social workers and Health and Mental Health care.
Blending keynote and featured speakers, plenary and concurrent sessions and workshops, the Conference program will bring forward new concepts, discuss existing practices and give attendees the most up to date subject knowledge available.
Queensland Mental Health Commission Leading Reform Summit 2024
Join the conversation about reform: Sofitel Brisbane Central, 27 - 28 November, 2024
The Leading Reform Summit is the Queensland Mental Health Commission's annual two-day forum for leaders in Queensland's mental health, alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention and associated human services sectors. It's a forum for leaders, people with lived and living experience, carers, frontline clinicians and workers, service providers, policy-makers, funders, planners and decision-makers.
Places are limited. Register at the button below to avoid missing out.
Reminder: Occupational Therapy Australia’s OT Mental Health Forum 2024
Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) OT Mental Health Forum 2024, taking place on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November in Melbourne and the program is now live!
OTA and our Forum Committee have put together an exciting, varied program that spans two full days.
With inspiring keynote speakers, panel sessions, ePosters, workshops and more, this is an inspiring program with something for everyone working in mental health occupational therapy.
Explore the full program here: https://www.otausevnts.com.au/cmspreview/mentalhealthforum2024/program-agenda
Don’t forget to use #MHF24 hashtag and tag Occupational Therapy Australia!
Seeking mental health prevention professionals!
Survey of Community Attitudes to Prevention of Mental Health Problems
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are conducting a survey to understand community attitudes to the prevention of mental health problems, and actions taken to support mental health. Professionals with expertise in mental health prevention in practice, healthcare, policy, or research settings are invited to take part in an online survey to help identify ways to improve attitudes to prevention in Australia. The survey takes no more than 10 minutes.
For more information, please contact Ellie Tsiamis ellie.tsiamis@unimelb.edu.au or Professor Nicola Reavley nreavley@unimelb.edu.au, or click the button below.
Help improve professional development for the youth mental health workforce
Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, is seeking to understand the learning needs of the youth mental health workforce in a short survey.
Mental health professionals who work with young people aged 12 to 25 are invited to help shape the future of professional development in youth mental health in The THRIVE Project: Exploring self-directed learning in youth mental health workforce survey. Survey participants can also win a $100 gift voucher.
The survey closes 25 January 2025 and can be accessed at the button below.
Blue Knot Foundation's professional development training calendar is now available
Blue Knot Foundation is offering training for the remainder of 2024 and the first six months of 2025.
Read more at the button below.
Job opportunity: HelpingMinds
HelpingMinds is looking for Mental Health Support Workers in the Perth South Metro area.
Click the button below for more information.
Featured Members
The Liptember Foundation is the trusted source and respected leader when it comes to women’s mental health with a mission to ensure every woman can achieve their optimal mental health. Working alongside a community of experts, advocates and allies the Liptember Foundation raises and distributes funds towards the most critical women’s mental health outcomes. Undertaking annual, gender specific research into women’s mental health; the Liptember Foundation is also paving the way for female-centric methodologies when developing new approaches to mental illness prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support services and programs.
Open Minds is a leading provider of mental health and disability support services in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. With more than 100 years of history, Open Minds is committed to its purpose of enabling an independent and positive future for people living with mental illness and disabilities. Open Minds is also a registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provider, with more than 400 employees spread across 35 locations. We provide Support Workers and other professionals to enable our clients to live as independently as possible. Our services include: Supported Independent Living, Support Coordination, Community Access, Complex Care, and more. We believe in working closely with the individual, their family and carers, professionals, and other stakeholders in their life, to deliver high quality support services suited to their unique needs.
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