CoMHWA

Newsletter

20th May 2016

Phone: (08)9258 8911 Fax: (08)9358 2566 Email: admin@comhwa.org.au

Post: PO Box 176 Cannington WA 6987 Office: 31 Manning Road Cannington WA 6107

BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS CoMHWA Funding Renewed by the Mental Health Commission Following the Agency Expenditure Review of the Mental Health Commission of Western Australia, the Board is pleased to report to our members that CoMHWA’s core funding agreement with the Mental Health Commission has not been affected by the Review and is being renewed. The Board is in the process of considering the CoMHWA’s forthcoming Budget and Business Plan for 2016-2017 to ensure we continue to meet our obligations as Directors and enable CoMHWA to achieve our mission.

Collaborations with People with Disabilities WA The Board would like to extend a sincere thanks to People with Disabilities WA who participated in a joint Board meeting with CoMHWA recently. CoMHWA and PWDWA are exploring ways to continue to work together for the benefit of people with lived experience of mental health issues. CoMHWA and PWDWA Board will be attending a joint Board training workshop on Finance for the Not-For-Profit Director through the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

CoMHWA NEWS National Supported Decision Making Framework CoMHWA has responded to the Australian Supported Decision-Making Network’s Discussion Paper with our support for a National Supported Decision Making Framework. The aim of the framework is to ensure a nationally consistent legislation and policy and whole-of-government commitment to support equal decision-making of mental health consumers and people with disabilities, in accordance with Australia’s obligations under the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Please contact the CoMHWA office if you would like to read our correspondence, the Discussion Paper or for more information about the Network.

New Training Program to Embed LGBTI Inclusive Services in Mental Health Sector Early March saw the beginning of an exciting new development in building LGBTI inclusive services in Western Australia. The program, delivered by GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc.) and auspiced by Richmond Wellbeing, supports organisations to embed solid cultural change, so that their services become welcoming and inclusive of LGBTI people. ‘Right To Belong: Creating and LGBTI Inclusive Service’ involves a series of five workshops over an eight-month period, and coaches participants through the practical steps involved in building LGBTI inclusivity within their organisation.

Taking part in this inaugural program are representatives from Richmond Wellbeing, Ruah Community Services, Consumers of Mental Health WA (COMHWA), Bentley Health Service, Armadale Health Service and Palmerston Association. These important services are each sending several people to attend the program to become champions for change within their organisations. GRAI Chair, June Lowe, said: “Participating organisations are to be congratulated for their vision in committing to take this course. They are very open-minded and prepared to re-examine their services to see how they can be improved to make them truly accessible to LGBTI people”. Program Manager at Richmond Wellbeing, David Dickinson, added: “Having a safe and welcoming environment is especially critical for mental health services, so we are very pleased to be involved in the roll-out of this project which focuses attention on the needs and wellbeing of LGBTI people”. “This is a time of historic change – and we look forward to a time when the LGBTI community feels every service is fully approachable”, he concluded. For further comments or information please contact David Dickinson - david.dickinson@rw.org.au or 9258 3018

NDIS Discussion and Lunch – Choice and Control in Recovery Are you a person experiencing mental health challenges, a family member, friend or carer? Join us for lunch and

discussion on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - WA NDIS My Way. There are two locations for this forum;

Cockburn

DATE: Friday, 27th May 2016

TIME: 11:00am - 1:30pm

PLACE: City of Cockburn Integrated Health & Community Facility Community Room, 11 Wentworth Parade,

Success WA

Kwinana

DATE: Wednesday, 25th May 2016

TIME: 11:00am - 1:30pm

PLACE: Ken Jackman Hall, Darius Wells Library & Resource Centre Corner Chrisham Ave and Robbos Way,

Kwinana WA

These information sessions are delivered in partnership by CoMHWA, Carers WA, Helping Minds, Richmond

Wellbeing and the Fremantle Multicultural Centre. View the attached flyers for more information.

To RSVP to either lunchtime forum, please contact Richmond Wellbeing on 9350 8800 or training@rw.org.au

NDIS in the Wheatbelt Are you a person with mental illness or disability? Are you a family member or supporter of someone with disability? Are you a service provider, support worker or community agency working in the Toodyay, Northam or York areas? Do you want to know more about the NDIS and how it will work for people living in the Wheatbelt region? View the attached flyer for more information.

CONSULTATIONS Suicide Research Survey To complete this survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ExposuretoandImpactofSuicideinAustralia

Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) in collaboration with the University of New England would like to invite you to participate in a national research project investigating the exposure to, and impact of, suicide in Australia. The purpose of this survey is to gain a clearer understanding of how individuals are affected by suicide. This will help inform where SPA funds and expertise are directed in suicide prevention. Any information or personal details gathered in the course of the study will remain confidential. No individual will be identified by name in any publication of the results.

Meeting for Minds – Synergies Forum There are 30 free places to attend the forum for people with a lived experience of mental illness who would like to be partners in research. Visit the website http://meetingforminds.com/forum2016/ to register for the event and to find out more information.

National Disability Advocacy Program – Have Your Say The Commonwealth Government is calling for public input to a review of the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP), which funds agencies that provide advocacy services to people with disability. Assistant Minister for Disability Services, the Hon Jane Prentice MP said the Review will help to ensure NDAP continues to meet the needs of people with disability, particularly as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is introduced. For full details on how to make a submission please visit the website; https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-disability-advocacy-program/

NDIS / My Way Experiences Survey and Focus Groups

If you are living in a trial site and on a NDIS plan, CoMHWA invites you to complete the

NDIS experiences survey. This has been developed by multiple advocacy organisations to

raise the views of people with disability in designing the NDIS system in WA.

Visit the website to complete the survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016NDISExperiences

There are two focus groups in Bibra Lake and Swan View where you can have your say on what has and hasn’t worked

for you with the trial of NDIS. Visit the Eventbrite page to RSVP to either location.

http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ndis-experiences-bibra-lake-registration-25151623182

National Suicide Prevention Convention – Bursaries Available

The National Suicide Prevention Convention will be held in Canberra this year; 25th – 27th July 2016. The purpose of the National Suicide Prevention Conference bursary program is to enable individuals with a lived experience of suicide to attend the conference.

There are numerous barriers that can make it difficult for individuals impacted by suicide to attend the conference. The availability of bursaries is intended to help overcome some of these barriers in order to ensure representation of those with lived experience in discussions and activities about suicide prevention.

For more information please visit the conference website and download the information sheet on bursaries. https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/conferences

SSSM – Survey of Aboriginal Youth in Perth

The Mental Health Commission is calling for Aboriginal youth aged 12-25 years in the Perth metro region to

participate in the Strong Spirit Strong Mind (SSSM) Metro Project Campaign. This campaign aims to prevent and / or

delay the early uptake of alcohol and other drugs in Aboriginal youths as well as raise awareness of the associated

risks, and inform Aboriginal people, their families and communities about the available support services.

To participate in the survey, contact Tyra Thomas on 6553 0340 or tyra.thomas@mhc.wa.gov.au

Alcohol and Other Drugs Survey

You are invited to participate in this survey about how you use the Australian Indigenous Alcohol and Other Drugs

Knowledge Centre website. The survey aims to gather information about who uses the website, how they use it, and

how satisfied they are. All data gathered online is anonymous and individuals cannot be identified.

Visit the website to complete the survey;

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AIAODKCsurveyMay2016

The Mental Health Services Conference – Bursaries Available

The Mental Health Services (MHS) Conference will be held in Auckland this

year; 23rd – 26th August 2016. If you are presenting but having difficulty raising

the funds to get to the conference, if you have been actively involved in

consumer groups or advocacy, if you are unable to attend the conference due

to financial constraints or did not receive a bursary at the 2015 conference,

you may be eligible for 2016.

Visit the website for more information and to download the application form.

Applications close Friday 17th June and first round offers will be made thereafter.

http://www.themhs.org/pages/bursaries.html

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

PTSD and Trauma Support Groups

These community support groups are led by Francess Day and are available for individuals, groups and family

members. It is essential that Francess meet with you individually before joining this community support group, so

please contact her on 0417 997 016.

Visit the website for more information;

http://broadening-horizons.com.au/ptsd-trauma-support-groups-paper/

Health and Wellbeing Workshop If you’re a carer and have always wanted to try out some painting skills, this free workshop is for you. DATE: Friday 3rd June 2016 TIME: 9.45am – 12.30pm PLACE: Heathcote Cultural Precinct, Kitchen Building, 58 Duncraig Road, Applecross COST: FREE – lunch provided afterwards RSVP: 1300 227 377 or wellnessprogram@carerswa.asn.au

Wellness Recovery Action Plan – Maddington and Cockburn

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a peer-led recovery-oriented course that enables individuals to develop their own coping skills and strategies to maintain wellness over five key areas - Hope, Personal Responsibility, Education, Self-advocacy and a Strong Support System. There are two new support groups starting: START DATE: Monday 13th June 2016 TIME: 10.30am – 1.30pm PLACE: 1917 Albany Hwy, Maddington RUNS FOR: 7 consecutive weeks

Cockburn are still taking expression of interests for their WRAP group, so contact RUAH on the number below to get involved;

COCKBURN START DATE: Monday 2nd May 2016 TIME: 10.30am – 1.30pm PLACE: Cockburn Youth Centre, 25 Wentworth Parade, Success RUNS FOR: 5 consecutive weeks To register or for more information please email wrap@ruah.com.au or phone 9485 3939.

Lorikeet Centre – June Activities and Workshops

The Lorikeet Centre, found at 104 Cambridge Street, West Leederville, offers a range of workshops including photography, cooking, art therapy, walking and more. For more information on how to participate in the groups, please contact the centre on 9237 8951, Tuesdays – Fridays.

World Environment Day Competition

To celebrate World Environment Day on 5th June, Act Belong Commit are hosting a competition to showcase how the natural environment creates a positive space for you, the artist. Your media can be anything; painting, photography, drawing, poetry…. Visit the website to download the entry form. Entries close Monday 20th June. Send your entries to: EMAIL: competitions@actbelongcommit.org.au POST: Jessica – Curtin University Mentally Healthy WA, GPO Box U1987, Perth 6845

www.actbelongcommit.org.au

Let’s Talk about Children, Families and Mental Health

Do you know how to respond to families where a parent’s mental illness is a concern? Do you want to build skills and knowledge in this area? This workshop supports participants to work towards a system of care that meets the needs of children of parents with a mental illness. To RSVP for the event or more information, call Ruah on 9485 3939. DATE: Friday 17th June 2016 TIME: 9am – 1pm PLACE: Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre, Corner Dundebar Road and Rocca Way, Wanneroo COST: $80

Respite for Carers Day

Fremantle Multicultural Centre’s Mental Health Access Service in partnership with AVIVO is running a Respite for Carers day for individuals from CaLD backgrounds. Call the number below for more information. DATE: Friday 10th June 2016 TIME: 10am – 2pm PLACE: Fremantle Multicultural Centre, 241-243 High Street, Fremantle RSVP: 9336 8282

Recovering our Families Mental Health Support Program

This course is specifically designed to aid families struggling with emotional pain, whether that is a result of psychiatric diagnosis, undiagnosed extreme emotional distress, or addiction issues. This fully facilitated, interactive online course is designed to educate and support individuals and families by focusing on strengthening family dynamics, self-care, self-reflection and recovery. Call the number below for more information or to register; START DATE: Friday 15th July 2016 CONTACT: Julie at Helping Minds on 9427 7100

Challenging Behaviour – A Workshop for Families

These interactive workshops are being presented by a team of parents and professionals who have been working together and have identified real strategies of support that are achievable and lasting. There are two locations for the workshops; Rockingham DATE: Friday 17th June 2016 TIME: 10am – 2pm PLACE: Gary Holland Community Centre, 19 Kent Street, Rockingham Padbury DATE: Friday 27th June 2016 TIME: 10am – 2pm PLACE: Forrest Park Community Centre, 47 Forrest Road, Padbury For more information or to register, please call Developmental Disability WA on 9420 7203.

Peer Zone Workshops – New Dates Confirmed for June

Peer Zone is a fun and interactive workshop series which are run by and for people with experience of mental distress. Workshop themes include Understanding our Distress, Understanding our Alcohol and Drug Use, Leading our Recovery and Exploring our Stories. For more information please call Michael on the number listed below.

START DATE: Friday 24th June 2016 RUNS FOR: 4 consecutive weeks TIME: Morning – More information will be given after registering. CONTACT: Michael Akkermans (Peer Support Worker) on 6274 3756

Makuru Festival This free event recognises Reconciliation Week and celebrates Aboriginal culture and tradition. Come along for live music, health and wellbeing stalls, art activities and displays, native animals, bush tucker tasting and traditional dance performances. DATE: Saturday 28th May 2016 TIME: 9am – 1pm PLACE: Kent Street Weir, Wilson

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mental Health Consumer Representative: Department of Health Consumer, Carer and Community Engagement Framework Working

Group

The Working Group will be drafting the Department of Health’s Consumer, Carer and Community Engagement Framework in order to better meet the needs of the public. Benefits

Payment in accordance with Department of Health payment policy ($30 per hour)

Contribute to designing a Framework that will assist health services to engage effectively with consumers, carer and the community.

Who Can Apply

The working group is seeking a consumer representative who is available to meet once a week for two hours (12 hours per month), starting at the end of June and finishing late July / early August. Dates and times will be negotiated with the newly formed group.

The group will meet at Department of Health, 189 Royal St East Perth It is essential that you have;

Passion to improve consumer engagement with health services.

Appreciation for the role of a Framework to support engagement.

Knowledge of strategies to facilitate effective engagement.

Ability to work collaboratively in a group.

It is desirable that you;

Have previous experience in assisting in policy/framework/guideline development. How to Apply Send a brief email to Denise Kluck, Acting Senior Policy Officer, denise.kluck@health.wa.gov.au by 4pm on Friday 27th May 2016 outlining;

Why you would like to participate in the Working Group

Your relevant experience

When you are available to attend meetings Enquires about this position to Denise on (08) 9222 6879 or denise.kluck@health.wa.gov.au

OF INTEREST

State Budget 2016 – Mental Healthcare Boost for Joondalup In the State budget released this week, Treasurer Mike Nahan has approved a $7.1 million Mental Health Observation Area to be modelled on successful unit at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. There has been an 84% increase in mental health funding since 2008-09. To read the full media release, visit the Premier’s website; https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Ministers/Colin-Barnett.aspx

WAAMH Media Release - Ten Year Plan Derailed By NGO Cuts in Budget

The WA Association for Mental Health (WAAMH), have stated in a media release that the Ten Year Mental Health Services Plan has been derailed by savage cuts to the most under-resourced segment of the WA’s mental health system following the release of the state budget this week. The ten-year plan identified that WA spent too high a proportion of its mental health expenditure on hospital based services and committed to shifting the priority to prevention and keeping people connected and closer to home. Community support services were identified as the most under-resourced segment of WA’s mental health system, with just 20 percent of demand for these services being met in 2014. To read the full media release, visit WAAMH’s website; https://waamh.org.au/news--media/news--media.aspx

NDIS Perth Hills Trial Site Update

To read the latest information from NDIS Perth Hills, please contact the CoMHWA office for a copy.

Commission Welcomes New Appointments

The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes three new appointments to the Age, Disability and Human Rights portfolios; Dr Kay Patterson will become the Age Discrimination Commissioner while Mr Alistair McEwin will become the Disability Discrimination Commissioner. Edward Santow will become Human Rights Commissioner. To read the full media release, please visit the Commission’s website; http://www.humanrights.gov.au/news/stories/commission-welcomes-new-appointments

Six Sub-Networks for the Mental Health Network The Mental Health Network has established a range of sub-networks to address specific areas of need and practice to better advise and support the work carried out by the Network. So far there are six sub-networks to cover the following areas;

Youth

Forensic

Eating Disorders

Perinatal and Infant

Joondalup and Wanneroo region

Peel and Rockingham/Kwinana region

Open meetings have been held and steering groups are currently being set up. For more information call the Health Networks Branch on 9222 0200.

WA Carers Strategy

The Department of Local Government and Communities, in collaboration with the Carers Advisory Council and Carers WA, have developed the WA Carers Strategy. This paper is designed to guide the actions of the whole community and focus on better recognition and support for carers. If you would like to read the full paper, please contact the CoMHWA office.

Child Safe Organisations WA The Commissioner for Children and Young People has this week launched free resources to assist government and community-based organisation to become more child safe. The resources give a structured approach to protecting children as well as giving emphasis on the empowerment and participation of children and young people as a core component in creating a true culture of safety. To access the free resources, please visit the Commissioner’s website; https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/resources/child-safe-organisations/

Carers WA Mental Health Newsletter To access the latest mental health news from Carers WA, please contact the CoMHWA office for a copy.

Recovery Rocks Latest Newsletter To access the latest news from Recovery Rocks, please contact the CoMHWA office for a copy.

To assist us in becoming more environmentally friendly, please contact CoMHWA on 9258 8911 if you would

prefer to receive the electronic version of this newsletter. This version includes articles and flyers which we

are unable to include in this printed copy of the newsletter.