As we come to the end of an extraordinary and challenging year, it is important to look back at what we have achieved as a community, as a sector and as a nation, over the past 12 months. Faced with natural disasters and a pandemic, the country has been tested on nearly all fronts, and we have learnt a lot about ourselves and the important role our mental health and wellbeing plays in our ability to face adversity and challenges. In response to this we have seen some encouraging announcements and reforms including historic levels of additional funding for the mental health sector, the development of the first National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan, creative initiatives including #InThisTogether and How's Your Head Today?, and the strengthening of key elements to provide crucial data and insights to better inform our responses and decision making. In addition, each of us have had to learn to adapt to the constantly changing circumstances of COVID-19, including isolation, financial stress and community connectivity. For now, it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel.
There have been some exciting new developments within the Commission in recent weeks with a number of our projects progressing to the all-important consultation phase, including Vision 2030 and the National Workplace Initiative. We also worked with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance and Ahead for Business to develop a series of guides to help create mentally healthy workplaces during COVID-19.
Earlier this month the Prime Minister also released the Suicide Prevention Interim Advice documents to shape Australia's approach to suicide prevention. Voices of those with lived experience have been central in shaping this advice and we thank them for their ongoing commitment to reform.
Now that 2021 is on the horizon, I want to encourage you to continue working on all the tools you need to keep yourself safe and healthy during the upcoming holiday period. For many, this will look different to previous years and we know this may make it a particularly challenging time for some. Yet, there is an opportunity to take time to look after ourselves and our loved ones if and when possible. I encourage you all to take time to do something that brings you joy, including reaching out to your friends, families and communities if you can and want to. Together, we can get through this.
Christine Morgan
CEO
Vision 2030 Roadmap Consultation
The Commission’s Vision 2030 Roadmap consultation is CLOSING SOON! We are connecting with all Australians to incorporate as wide a range of experiences as possible when developing evidence-based responses to mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. Now is your chance to get involved and let us know the impact of Vision 2030 on you.
Survey open until 4 Dec.
Suicide Prevention Interim Advice Report released
Last month, the Prime Minister released the Interim Advice documents prepared to shape Australia’s suicide prevention approach. These will help inform the Final Advice.
The Interim Advice consists of three reports including Compassion First, detailing the experiences of people with lived experience of suicide; Interim Advice Report containing 13 in-principle recommendations; and Shifting the Focus, outlining a whole-of-government approach to suicide.
Read the media statement.
Australia's first National Digital Mental Health Standards
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has launched the country's first National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards. These aim to improve the quality of digital mental health service provision and to protect service users and their support people from harm. Learn more...
Workplace mental health guides
Last month, the Prime Minister launched the Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID-19 guides, developed by the Commission with contributions from the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, Ahead for Business and the Department of Health. This set of three guides provides practical information and support to sole traders, as well as small, and medium to large businesses on ways to manage mental health at work during COVID-19. Read more...
Have your say: what's on your wish list for the National Workplace Initiative?
The National Workplace Initiative will create a digital platform that will connect organisations with practical supports and services to help create mentally healthy workplaces.
For the past few months, the Commission’s team has been listening to workplaces about the questions they want answered and the kinds of features, tools and supports that would be most useful to them, as they create mentally healthy workplaces.
Now we would love to hear what is on your wish list.
How's Your Head?
Earlier this month the Government announced its How's Your Head Today? Campaign. The national initiative urges Australians to prioritise their mental health, raise awareness about identifying when something is wrong and encourage people to seek help. It is important to help people access the support that’s available during these challenging times. Learn more...
Join our Communications team
The Commission is looking for a highly motivated self-starter and clear communicator to join our team as Director of Communication and Engagement. If that sounds like you, or if you want to know more, visit the employment page.
