Embrace Suicide Prevention Pilot

R U OK? is inviting multicultural communities to tell us what is helpful for them, when having these conversations. To do this we are inviting members of these communities to share feedback on our current resources and help us design new resources for the future. For example, how can R U OK? support people in your multicultural community talk about mental health in a way that is comfortable for them?

Mental Health Australia welcomes the recent announcement by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, of $1.7 million to extend funding of The Essential Network (TEN) until June 2024. TEN (an e-health hub for health professionals to access confidential mental health supports and resources) is needed now more than ever.

In Mental Health Australia's 2022 World Mental Health Day healthcare professionals survey, 84% of respondents said that working in healthcare during the pandemic increased the amount of stress and pressure they experience in the workplace. We commend this investment and continue to advocate for support for those who care for us all.

Down-scheduling of psilocybin and MDMA to open up prescription options

From 1 July this year, medicines containing the psychedelic substances psilocybin and
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) can be prescribed by specifically authorised
psychiatrists for the treatment of certain mental health conditions.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will permit the prescribing of MDMA for the
treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.
These are the only conditions where there is currently sufficient evidence for potential
benefits in certain patients.

New translations available of updated NDIS participant booklets

Assyrian, Dari, Khmer, Korean and Turkish translations have been added to the NDIS participant booklets, bringing the total of available languages to 17. Other new additions include digital braille and AUSLAN video translations.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital is doubling mental health bed capacity

Twenty-four new mental health beds will be available at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with a neighbouring site chosen to expand the hospital's footprint and work started to compulsorily acquire the land. These 24 sub-acute mental health beds are a direct response to the ramping crisis.

These additional mental health beds form part of the State Government's $124 million commitment to build and open 72 new mental health rehabilitation beds through the establishment of 24-bed units at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Noarlunga Hospital, and Modbury Hospital.

Access to health information and services in the migrant community

The Migrant and Refugee Health Partnership, Harmony Alliance, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), have launched the Healthy Horizons online platform.

The Healthy Horizons online platform aims to support migrant and refugee women living in Australia to better understand their health and navigate the Australian healthcare system. Health topics include women's health, reproductive health, mental health and wellbeing, and respectful relationships. The information provided is available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Arabic.

Take a hike for mental health

Registrations are open for the Great Aussie Hike, which has chosen Lifeline Australia as their beneficiary this year in recognition of the important role community and teamwork plays in supporting mental and physical wellbeing.

Participants can opt to tackle the 30km, 43km, or 100km course as a registered team. For those participants who want to join the challenge, but do not have a team, The Hitch Hikers is a way to be part of the challenge, meet new people and find support in one another along the journey.

Expressions of Interest for the Blue Knot Lived and Living Experience Committee

Expressions of interest are now open for an exciting paid opportunity to help shape services at Blue Knot.

Lived Experience Australia have been working with Blue Knot to establish an increased Lived Experience focus across Blue Knot's organisation. Blue Knot are seeking to establish a Lived and Living Experience Committee and are now seeking Expressions of Interest for people to join (consumers, families and carers with lived and living experience). 
Blue Knot recognises the importance of lived and living expertise in:

• design and development of all Blue Knot's services, resources and activities.
  
• supporting work in advocating for and building pathways empowering recovery for the more than 5 million Australian adults with the lived and living experience of complex trauma repeated violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Payment for attendance will be in accordance with the current Remuneration Tribunal Guidelines.

If you are interested in applying for a position of the Blue Knot Lived and Living Experience Committee, or would like to learn more about the Committee, follow the link below.
Expressions of Interest close 24 Friday, February.

Mental Health Co-ordinating Council is hiring

This Sydney-based role is for a Communications and Engagement Officer who wants to work for the peak community-based mental health organisation for New South Wales.
This role works in partnership with the Communications and Content Officer and reports to the Manager of Communications and Advocacy. MHCC offers a flexible working environment, work life balance and great work culture. The role is part time 4 day a week position.

Mental Health Services Queensland is hiring

As our next General Manager, you will be accountable for the leadership, development and management of a suite of Open Minds services and programs across Queensland. You will lead a highly engaged and skilled leadership team across multiple services and regions as you deliver Open Minds' vision to enable an independent and positive future for those living with mental illness or disabilities.

At Open Minds, we have a clear and deliberate focus on growing our Mental Health services and programs. We see an undeniable need for access to quality mental health services and we want to play an important part in improving the well-being of Queenslanders.

Applications close Monday 20 February.

Nominations are open

The Barbara Hocking Memorial Award is currently open for nominations. If you know a person or organisation that has made an outstanding effort to support R U OK? in their community, and inspired others, we encourage you to nominate them. Learn more about the Awards at the link below.

Nominations close Sunday 19 February.

Want to know what's up with the NDIS?

Registrations are still open for the National NDIS & Mental Health Conference. The conference is being held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, and run by Community Mental Health Australia.