The past months have gone by rapidly and already I have been working with the National Mental Health Commission for over three months. While the Commission is undergoing a review, we’ve continued work across a number of strategic areas, and in areas of core responsibility.
This includes exploring some of the impacts and associations of digital technology on youth through working with young people, an Expert Advisory Group and survey. We have also opened a consultation and survey on the wellbeing of children aged 0-5 years – particularly to consider what should be included in health checks.
With mental health concerns often beginning during childhood, the first 2,000 days of life are a critical period. Recognition of emerging issues and appropriate support or interventions at this time can result in significant improvements to early life experiences, health, and development.
Work continues on the National Workplace Initiative, and the development of National reports. Commission staff contributed to the recent Equally Well Symposium in Sydney.
We welcome the news that the co-design of two new national mental health lived experience peak bodies, one representing consumers, and the other representing families, carers and kin is progressing. Consultation is open and will provide an opportunity to collaborate and shape the peaks’ role, principles, and structure. It builds on previous work to establish the peak bodies and ensure diverse lived experience voices are central to mental health policy discussions. To participate, and for more information, go to the TACSI National Peaks Project Hub and the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.
Dr Ruth Vine
Interim CEO, National Mental Health Commission
