October Message from the CEO

Now, more than ever, we all need to  build and support our mental health and wellbeing. October is Mental Health Month and with Saturday being World Mental Health Day it is a timely reminder to take a moment to look after ourselves and support those around us. Staying connected to each other and to your supports is what we need to get through this particularly challenging time.

The Commission has partnered with Mental Health Australia on its Look After Your Mental Health Australia initiative which encourages Australians to make a promise on how they are going to look after their mental health. I’ve promised to help every Australian find their own pathway to quality, equitable mental health and wellbeing support during this challenging year. What promise will you make?

Yesterday, the Commission welcomed the continuing commitment to Australian's mental health and wellbeing announced in the 2020-21 Federal Budget. These are challenging times and it is encouraging to see an additional $100.8 million investment into the expansion of Medicare supported mental health sessions. This investment honours the global theme of World mental Health day in 2020 – greater investment and greater access.

For those of us facing new challenges or managing existing ill-health, please know there is support available whether you would like to have a conversation or build a mental health plan.

Today, and every day, I encourage each of you to pause and reflect on small moments of kindness and care that we have seen from our communities and loved ones in recent months. Consider what promise you will make to yourself to ensure you are looking after your mental health. It may be spending time meditating, making sure you get outside every day or calling a loved one regularly. Find what works best for you.

Stay safe and well.

Christine Morgan

CEO

Budget 2020

The National Mental Health Commission supports the ongoing commitment to Australia’s mental health and wellbeing in the 2020-21 Federal Budget. The Commission’s CEO, Christine Morgan, welcomed the continuing commitment to mental health reform and long-term structural change given the extraordinary economic circumstances. Australia’s long-term recovery from the pandemic is inextricably linked to our mental wellness and our ability to respond to the challenges we face over the coming months and years, which is why these recent commitments are so important.

Read the full statement

World Mental Health Day

Saturday is World Mental Health Day and the Commission has partnered with Mental Health Australia on their Look After Your Mental Health Australia initiative. The campaign encourages all Australians to make a promise to themselves, to ensure they are supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Find out how you can make your own promise on the website.

Make your promise

National Suicide and Self-Harm Monitoring System update

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare together with the National Mental Health Commission released a website last month, which is part of Australia’s first suicide and self-harm monitoring system to support the national goal of working towards zero suicides. The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System is part of the national effort to address suicide and self-harm in Australia and fits within the broader prevention efforts happening nationally. It will be regularly updated and improved as data collection from all States and Territories aligns.

Learn more

Vision 2030 consultation seminars

The Vision 2030 project team began their consultation and engagement program last month with two webinar information sessions for the sector, as well as consumers and carers. These are now available for viewing online.

Watch now