Copy
Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition eBulletin 31 March 2020
View this email in your browser

Our monthly eBulletin contains updates, news and information related to the mental health sector, including upcoming community events, funding information, media releases and employment opportunities within the sector.

It's a great way to stay informed about mental health issues in the Northern Territory and Nationally.

Please forward our eBulletin to interested people or organisations as we encourage new membership and new subscribers. 

We'd love to hear from you if you have any feedback or comments. You can reach us on (08) 8948 2246 or admin@ntmhc.org.au.
In this Edition

Latest News from the Coalition


These are anxious times for everyone in Australia and around the world as we face the unprecedented challenge of the cononavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Coalition has developed surveys for service providers and staff to understand the challenges you currently face. 

Survey for Service Providers in the NT Community Mental Health Sector in response to COVID-19.
There has been a need for service providers within the community mental health sector and National Disability Insurance Scheme to rapidly adapt in response to the COVID-19 virus.

As the peak body for community mental health in the Northern Territory, the NT Mental Health Coalition is working with the NT community mental health sector, the National Disability Insurance Agency and other peak bodies around Australia to regularly collect feedback and report.  
-  what changes are occurring within the community mental health sector 
-  what are the emergent issues or concerns?
-  what supports would help sustain the provision of services in the current environment

Survey for Staff/Volunteers in the NT Community Mental Health Sector in response to COVID-19.
This survey is designed to capture feedback from people who have recently participated in the workforce of the community mental health sector and NDIS.  It is important to note that this survey can be completed anonymously.

For up to date information affecting the NT community mental health sector in response to COVID-19 go to our website at www.ntmhc.org.au
 
For any further information on the surveys contact: Vanessa Harris, Executive Officer
NT Mental Health Coalition - Email: eo@ntmhc.org.au Phone: 0408 588 904.
 
An update on the Peer - Led Education Pilot.
Stage 3 of the Peer Led Education Pilot commenced in March 2020 with the delivery of 2 My Recovery programs.  Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 virus in Australia and related restrictions, the decision was made to put the remaining My Recovery programs for Stage 3 on hold. The Coalition will remain in contact with local Facilitators during this time and support their professional development through opportunities that arise. The evaluation report by Menzies School of Health Research for Stages 1 and 2 of the Pilot is nearing completion and will be uploaded to the Coalition website when complete.
 
Noelene Armstrong, Project Officer, is still available on mob 0439 100 360 or via email PLEPProject@ntmhc.org.au
 

Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA)

Community Mental Health Australia, promotes the importance and benefits of community mental health and recovery services across Australia. CMHA is a coalition of eight state and territory peak community mental health organisations with direct links and contact with community mental health organisations delivering services to the community.

The NT Mental Health Coalition is a member of the CMHA. 

Impact of COVID 19 on NDIS Service Providers.
A letter to Mr Martin Hoffman, CEO National Disability Insurance Agency on behalf of Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) member services. To view the letter.

Response from Mr Martin Hoffman. The letter summarises most of the government and NDIA announcements and initiatives, collated together.

NDIS News  

Provider support in response to COVIS-19.
The NDIA understands that coronavirus (COVID-19) may significantly impact providers.
To help continue to deliver supports to participants through this time, the NDIA is introducing a number of changes, including:

  • an advance payment to registered providers
  • a temporary 10 per cent increase to the price limit of some Core and some Capacity Building supports
  • changes to the cancellation rules
  • introducing three new support coordination items under Core Supports.

Advance payments for providers.
The NDIA has introduced a one-off advance payment for registered providers to assist in the expected temporary increase in costs to deliver supports due to COVID-19. To read the full article or go the NDIS website relating to COVID-19.

Other News


Local Information

Coronavirus (COVID-17) NT.
The NT Government have developed up to date information.
How to stay safe, Facts and myths, Remote Communities, Gatherings, Travel. If your unwell.

Coronavirus in Aboriginal Languages.
Audio files with health messages for coronavirus (COVID-19) in Aboriginal languages are being rolled out across the Northern Territory to cover a majority of language groups. More recordings will be added as they become available. How to stay safe, Facts and myths

Alice Springs - Mental Health Association of Central Australia - Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.


National information

Close the Gap Report. We nurture our culture for our future and our culture nurtures us.
A report prepared by the Lowitja Institute for the Close the Gap Steering Committee - March 2020.

Consultation open: draft National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards.
The Australian Government Department of Health (the Department) has contracted the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) to develop National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards.

The Commission defines a digital mental health service as a mental health, suicide prevention, or alcohol and other drugs service that uses technology to facilitate engagement and the delivery of care. The draft NSQDMH Standards are now available on the Commission’s website for public consultation.

To support the consultation process, the Commission is holding a series of webinars and public forums in March-April 2020 in all capital cities and three regional locations. These forums will be facilitated by Dr Peggy Brown AO, Senior Clinical Advisor, and will give stakeholders a chance to discuss the draft NSQDMH Standards, provide feedback and ask questions of the project team.

The Commission invites consumers and carers, clinicians, service providers, and all stakeholders wishing to attend a forum or webinar to register their interest. Download the draft NSQDMH Standards and register for a forum or webinar at safetyandquality.gov.au/dmhs

Your input during the consultation process will inform the final draft of the NSQDMH Standards the Commission provides to the Department for approval in June 2020. For further information please contact: Ben Prest, Senior Project Officer DMHS@safetyandquality.gov.au
 
Our Turn to Speak.
Our Turn to Speak is a national survey that seeks to understand the life experiences of people living with severe and complex mental health issues in Australia. This confidential survey is open to any adult aged 18 and over, residing in Australia who has been living with severe and complex mental health issues over the last 12 months.

National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
EOIs for NT Consumer and Carer Representatives for the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum are closing on the 3rd of April 2020.

Mental Health Coordinating Council NSW. 
The Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit (TICPOT) Stage 4 is now available. This is a FREE quality improvement audit and implementation resource for developing a trauma-informed organisational and practice culture. The Social Impact Tool is a toolbox that empowers organisations to evaluate their social impact in a way that is reliable, accessible and FREE.

Australia's Long Term National Health Plan.
A pledge to rate mental health equally alongside physical health. The Long Term National Health Plan includes: 2030 mental health vision,  A new strategy specifically for children under 12 years, a 10-year primary health care plan and continued improvement of private health insurance. A 10-year National Preventive Health Strategy and a 10-year Medical Research Future Fund investment plan.

Events, Conferences & Training

CMHA Conference 30 - 31 March, Adelaide. Postponed until February 2021.
Third National NDIS and Mental Health: A national conversation about what comes next?  

 

Community Services update.    

TeamHEALTH
TeamHEALTH would like to advise that as an organisation, we are committed to continuing to support all of our participants, their families and our community, whilst adhering to the important infection control procedures around hygiene, social distancing and group gatherings.

Mental Illness Fellowship Australia NT (MIFANT).
Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (NT) is still operating and are still providing much needed support to our MH Carers, Consumers and our Young people. MIFANT have made adjustments to the way the programs are delivered.

TEMHCO
Due to the coronavirus TEMHCO has made several changes to the delivery of their programs. TEMHCO continues to provide confidential one on one basic counselling service as well as transport to appointments or other essential local travel during this time.
 
CatholicCare NT.
COVID-19 - We’re here for everyone. A statement from the CEO of Catholic Care, Jane Lloyd. We understand this is a difficult time for people, many of us are already dealing with difficult situations and daily we are facing new challenges that COVID-19 brings. To support all Territorians you can now access our services through a dedicated support telephone line. Experienced staff will be available to talk through your concern or worry and you will be provided with information, advice or referral. 

Anglicare NT remains committed to continuing to provide services to individuals, families and communities across the Territory. We care about you, our community, our staff and volunteers. We are complying with government directives and taking extra health and safety precautions.

Mission Australia  - Our ability to prioritise our vital services at Mission Australia becomes ever more important at times like this, because we know that the most vulnerable in society are often those most greatly impacted. Protecting our most vulnerable now, will help our communities and country to bounce back quickly and thrive into the future.

Mental Health Association Central Australia (MHACA). - Mental Health Support during COVID-19.
If you are feeling anxious or distressed, or are concerned about the mental health of someone else, MHACA can assist you to find the support you need in the local community and beyond. 
Copyright © 2020 Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition Inc., All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails?






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition Inc. · PO Box 157 · Nightcliff, NT 0814 · Australia

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp