Discover all the updates on our projects, as well as the latest funding announcements, new initiatives and recently uploaded witness statements for the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
As we come to the end of another financial year we know that the past 12 months have been particularly challenging for many of us with the health and financial impacts of COVID-19 and recent bushfires, floods and drought.
The mental health impact of these events may linger even as the world attempts to return to some normality around us. Please know that support is always available not only for those affected by natural disasters and COVID-19 but also youth, veterans and those seeking business support.
I have been encouraged by organisations' commitment to increase awareness and provide support to our communities including the ABC's Your Mental Health campaign that is running throughout this week.
This past month, it has also been great to hear of the Government investing $550,000 over two years to support children and young people who have a parent or guardian with a mental illness as well as more than $8 million for two projects that will use AI to improve mental health treatments for Australians.
Thank you to all of you within our community for your continuous dedication and commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing needs of all Australians.
ABC's 'Your Mental Health' Week
The Commission welcomes the ABC’s 'Your Mental Health' week (5-11 July) as a timely reminder of the need for every Australian to continue to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. The initiative will see a week of programming across multiple platforms to provide support and share the experiences of Australians during these challenging times.
Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
With the planned hearings cancelled due to COVID-19, the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has continued to gather witness statements to inform its ongoing work and the final report.
The statements have been collected from consumers, families and carers and a range of other individuals including the Commission's CEO Christine Morgan and Chair Lucy Brogden. They include ideas for a more contemporary and responsive mental health system in Victoria that also continues to address the community-wide impacts of suicide.
Australian Mental Health Prize 2020 nominations open
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Australian Mental Health Prize which is awarded each year to an Australian who has made outstanding contributions to the promotion of mental health, or the prevention and treatment of mental illness. Established by UNSW Medicine, the Prize Advisory Group includes Jack Heath, Professor Pat McGorry and Lucy Brogden.
Support for children and young people
The Australian Government last month announced it would be investing $550,000 over two years to support children and young people with a parent or guardian with a mental illness. The Satellite Foundation, in partnership with Emerging Minds, will receive funding to boost existing support by increasing availability of targeted programs, expanding peer support networks and providing resources.