As we near the end of 2019, I wanted to say thank you to all those who have engaged with the Commission this year and continue to contribute to improved mental health care and suicide prevention initiatives in Australia.
In my first year as CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, I have have been humbled and inspired by your insights and expertise shared as we work together towards mental health reform in Australia. My focus going into next year will be to continue to work with you to translate the Vision 2030 for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention into a Roadmap for implementation.
Between what we have learned from the Connections Project, coupled with the Commission's National Report 2019 and a range of other key mental health reports, I believe we now have a wealth of information in our hands to transform the mental health system.
As we move into the holiday season, I encourage you to take care and look after yourself and those around you. If you need extra support, please get in touch with one of the national services available throughout December and January.
I look forward to returning in 2020 with renewed vigour to deliver the transformational changes we all want to see.
Well wishes,
CEO
National Mental Health Research Strategy Update
The Commission has been tasked under the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan with developing a national research strategy, by 2021, to drive better outcomes across the mental health sector in Australia.
Over the next year, we will be working in collaboration with consumers and carers, states and territories, research funding bodies and prominent researchers to develop the strategy.
National Report and Consumer Carer Perspectives
As we head into the end of 2019, we wanted to reshare two of our foundation reports delivered on your behalf this year. That is, the National Report 2019 (an analysis of the mental health system over the past year) and the 2019 Consumer and Carer Perspectives Report on Fifth Plan for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention implementation progress.
Thank you again to all who contributed to our 2019 Reports. These insights are invaluable reference tools for the coming year.
Sign up to our Peer Work Register
The need to develop a national professional Peer Workforce and encourage support structures and professional development for the Peer Workforce is a key priority for the Commission. Under the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (Fifth Plan), the Commission is leading the development of Peer Workforce Development Guidelines by 2021.
If you'd like to keep up to date on this work, sign up to our Peer Work Register.
You Can Talk this holiday season
#YouCanTalk is a joint national suicide prevention campaign aimed at giving people the tools and confidence to respond to friends and family when they need help and guide them to the right support services.
This holiday season, they are encouraging all Australians to have conversations and reach out to those around you.
Find out more: https://www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/youcantalk
