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Information and support for families and friends of someone with mental ill health and co-occurring mental ill health and substance use.
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Caring Voices Newsletter - November 2022
mental health families & friends TASMANIA
recognises the deep, ancient and everlasting history and culture of this island lutruwita upon which we learn, work, and live, and its people, the palawa people. We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners and continuing carers of the nipaluna land on which we have the privilege to meet on today. 

We acknowledge Elders past, Elders present, future and evolving Elders and pay our respects to those who did not and will not attain the status of Elder because of the ongoing pain and the legacy of colonisation. 

CONTENTS

          MHFFTas News
          Events & Opportunities

          Talking Point
          
          Government Sector News
          Sector News

From the President - Dr Russell James

This year has brought enormous change not only to the organisation, but across the Tasmanian mental health landscape. Through Glen O’Keefe's guidance, the organisation and its standing within the Tasmanian mental health sector has continued to grow.

The commitment, positive culture, and genuine regard for supporting the Tasmanian community at Mental Health Families & Friends Tasmania is a true team effort. The staff are dedicated to their roles and one another, which is a true credit to them all.

The organisation has continued to grow, with new portfolios, securing additional funding, and has witnessed firsthand the increase and delivery of new services across the Tasmanian mental health setting. It’s no doubt, an exciting time for mental health in Tasmania. With an increase in funding, service design and delivery, as well as the workforce, Mental Health Families & Friends has continued to be a vocal partner and trusted voice influencing policy, planning and service development and provision, improving outcomes for individuals, and responding to the needs of the Tasmanian community.

The success of the organisation is about what the people around it put into it, and for this organisation, there is a passionate, genuine, and committed team who are united to support carer participation and truly advocate and support families and friends of those affected by mental illness.

We recently held our AGM on October 26 at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania which was very well attended.  On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank out-going President, Lorelle Taylor and board member Bella Fountain.  We welcome four new members to the Board, Melody Kuhlmann, Nicole Marsh, Steven Bone and Tanya Brooks-Cooper.  We presented our annual report and celebrated our achievements for the 2021-2022 finanical year.

I am looking forward to 2023 and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season.

Russell

From the CEO - Glen O'Keefe

Welcome to the November MHFFTas newsletter, our final newsletter for 2022.

It has been busy period here at MHFFTas and there continues to be a lot of positive and encouraging things happening in our space.

We recently held our AGM at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and were delighted to have George Clarke, General Manager of the Department of Health’s Mental Health - Alcohol and Drug Directorate, provide an informative update on the reforms happening across the mental health and AOD sectors as the key-note speaker.

In my AGM CEO report, I shared some of the highlights that occurred throughout 2021/22 and reported on the increased engagement in both our Family and Friends Representative program and Safe Spaces sessions across the state. We saw a 40% increase from the previous financial year in requests for lived experience participation through over Family and Friend Representative Program, and we were able to meet 94% of these requests.

The Family and Friend Representative Program continues to provide opportunities for families and friends to use their lived experience and to have their voice heard, to make valuable contributions to decisions being made around recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centred care, and to assist with recruitment of future mental health and AOD staff. We have inducted several new representatives over recent months to the program and we welcome them to MHFFTas.

The financial year also saw an increase in families and friends’ participation in our Safe Spaces sessions. We introduced online evening session as an option and this resulted in 66 families joining the groups over the year, an increase of 32% from the previous year.

We were recently fortunate to have some time with the Premier, and our minister, to provide an update of our work and go through the details of our recently submitted Budget Priority Statement submission. Our submission focused on increasing our capacity to meet the increasing demand in both the mental health and AOD sectors through the recruitment of a second Lived Experience Project Officer. A copy of our submission can be found on our website. The Premier welcomed our updates, and we certainly appreciate the time that he made for us.

November has seen our final Self-Advocacy workshop held and we have received very positive feedback for those who participated in them across the state. I would like to thank Jonathan Bedloe, our contacted facilitator for the workshops, for his dedication and professionalism in delivering these workshops for us.

Thank you also to our M-LEAG members who helped guide the design and delivery of the workshops and toolkit. I would like to also thank our Project Officer, Flavia, who put everything into making these workshops a success. With the workshops being completed, Flavia unfortunately leaves the Project Officer role and we are very grateful for the amazing work that she has produced with the workshops and toolkit.

The Mental Health Recovery College will be officially launched in December, and we were thrilled to see the announcement that the Manger will be Maxine Griffiths, our previous CEO. We wish Maxine all the best for this new and exciting role, and we look forward to working with her and the Recovery College team.

It has been great to see the increased engagement in our social media channels over recent months. For those who do not follow them as yet, we encourage you to follow us on both Facebook and LinkedIn for updates and information.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at MHFFTas I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year period and I wish all the team at MHFFTas a wonderful and very well deserved break.

Warm regards,
Glen 

Family and Friends Representative Program

Since our last newsletter, we have welcomed 3 new Representatives to our FFRP Program. This has only strengthened our program and increased the mobilisation of the family and friend voice being represented, heard and supported.
The family and friend voice has been represented by our incredible Representatives and heard on a number of interview panels for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Adult Community Mental Health Services, in the south, north, and north west of the state. We have also continued advocating in the AOD sector with representatives sitting on the new Detox@Home program, to make sure the family and friends are being supported. Our Representatives have also been supporting the Mental Health Reform, sitting on selection panels, and workshops.

If you are interested in using your lived experience to create change in the AOD or Mental Health sector, contact Rahnee for more information.
 

Safe Spaces Peer Support Sessions

Are you helping a friend or family member with mental ill health or co-occurring mental ill health and substance use.  At times it may feel like an emotional rollercoaster full of tears and triumphs. You are not alone. This is for you!
Our Safe Space Peer Support Sessions are an open opportunity for families and friends to come along and talk about whatever they may need at that time. They are a time and place for families and friends to come and share their experiences, support each other and learn from each other. It provides the opportunity for families and friends who might be struggling in their role to connect with others who know what it is like to be a family member or friend supporting someone with mental ill health and or AOD use.

We offer one-on-one peer support at a place that suits you.  You can also join the peer support group sessions.
 
For more information 

Call2Connect Program 

Regardless of where you are in your journey, supporting someone living with mental ill health and or alcohol and drug use can be both rewarding purposeful, but also lonely, exhausting, and stressful. At times it may feel like you’re experiencing an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. 
Our Call2Connect Program offers four, 1 hour follow up calls to provide one on one, informal, confidential, and free peer support and referral help from the Lived Experience Project Officer who is also a qualified Social Worker.

The Call2Connect Program provides the opportunity to be heard and supported. Connecting is important for self-care and your continued wellbeing. We invite you to take a moment to put you first and help you maintain resilience, cope with challenges, and strengthen your support role.  

Who is Safe Spaces Peer Support for?  
  • Anyone supporting a family member or friend with mental ill health and or alcohol and drug use  
  • Family and friends that provide informal, unpaid physical, practical, mental social, financial, and or emotional support  
  • Family and friends that want to be understood, feel heard, and to take a second for themselves in a safe and confidential space  
  • Aged over 18 years living in Tasmania    
If you would like to be supported through this program:
Email |  6228 7448 | Web

Mentoring Program

We have commenced consultations to co-design a mental health and AOD family and friend mentoring program. 
We invite families and friends to participate in this 10 minute survey to inform what a successful mentoring program looks like for families and friends. At the end of the survey, if you are interested in being a part in further consultations in smaller focus groups.   

Events & Opportunities

Conversations with Mental Health Services

Join us on Wednesday 30th November from 10 to 11.30am to hear from Chris Fox, implementation lead for the Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Project.
You can participate face-to-face or on-line.  Numbers are limited, so register early!  Registrations close Monday 28th November.
On-line Registration
Face-2-Face Registration

So that our sessions remain true to the experience of family members and friends, these sessions are not open to service providers or consumers.

This is a catered event
For more information 

Safe Spaces Peer Support Sessions

Register now for the on-line, face-to-face, and one-on-one support sessions in your region below.
State-wide on-line sessions via Zoom on-line platform
Wednesday 14th December | 1:00pm to 2:00pm
 Register 
 Wednesday 14th December | 5:30pm to 6:30pm 
 Register 
Hobart Face-to-Face
2 Terry Street, Glenorchy
  Wednesday 21st December | 5:15pm to 6:45pm
 Register
Launceston One-on-One Support
7th & 8th December | By appointment 
Phone | Email

Safe Spaces Education and Information Sessions

These sessions are a place for families and friends to hear from guest speakers and gain information on an array of topics, in a safe and friendly on-line space. Register for a session below.

Topic: Speak up!  Stay ChatTY

 
– 5 ways to make a difference
– How to have supportive conversations
– Building resilience
– Recharging our personal batteries

Guest Speaker:

Natasha Cloak – Senior Project Officer at Speak Up! Stay ChatTy

When & Where: Tuesday 13th December| 10:00am – 11:30am | On-line via Zoom

Register HERE

You are invited to attend a free interactive session

The ATDC invites you to come along and dive into the detail concerning the most recent data on Tasmanians that use illicit drugs, with Associate professor Raimondo Bruno, from University of Tasmania.
Thursday, 15th December 2022
10am to 11:30am
Register
*Please send any specific questions that you want answered in the session to me via email at  ruzina@atdc.org.au.

For more information on this event, please contact me on 03 62315002 or ruzina@atdc.org.au

Registrations are now open

Roses in the Ocean are excited to announce that registrations are now open for our biennial Lived Experience of Suicide Summit (LE Summit) held at Hotel Grand Chancellor in picturesque Hobart, Tasmania on 9th – 10th of March 2023.
This signature event on the suicide prevention calendar provides an interactive workshop-style forum that connects people with a lived experience of suicide with key sector organisations, researchers, clinicians, government departments and non-government organisations.
 

Emergency Assistance Grants

Emergency Assistance Grants are available to individuals and families impacted by the severe weather and arrangements are in place to support those who need temporary emergency accommodation.  Applications close 1st January 2023.

Emergency Assistance Grants are available to individuals and families impacted by the severe weather and arrangements are in place to support those who need temporary emergency accommodation.

Payment will be: up to $250 per adult (18 years and over); up to $125 per child (under 18 years); and up to a maximum of $1,000 for any one family. Applications for both Emergency Assistance Grants and/or Temporary Emergency Accommodation can be made online here.

Talking Point

Trigger Warning!  This video contains content about suicide and sexuality.  If you need support:

 
Q Life (LGBTI support)         1800 184 527
A Tasmanian Lifeline            1800 984 434
Suicide Call Back Service    1300 659 467

Government Sector News

Mental Health Assessment and Decision Support Tool 

PHT is offering a 2-hour workshop for Tasmanian GPs, community service staff and other clinicians on the sue of the IAR-DST in practice.  The training will focus on:
  • an introduction to the IAR-DST and the development of the National Guidance(External link) 

  • the domains, levels of care and using the decision support tool 

  • clinical judgement and supported decision making 

  • practical application of the IAR-DST in assessment and intake settings, using vignettes.

To attend an IAR workshop from January to June 2023.

 More information

Commencement of Recovery College

The Recovery College is an important learning initiative that provides opportunity for all people in the community to improve their mental health, wellbeing, professional development, and personal recovery through inclusive education.

An introductory curriculum will be offered over December 2022 – February 2022 (Summer Seasonal Programme) with all sessions being delivered in the Recovery College main classroom at Level 2, 2 Terry St, Glenorchy. A copy of a course guide that includes the timetable, and details of how to enrol are available here, can also be accessed via THS health website.
 

Read More

Access Mental Health

Access Mental Health is a mental health support, triage, and referral phone line delivered by the Department of Health, Tasmania in partnership with Lifeline Tasmania.  It operates from 9am to 10pm every day.

Anyone in Tasmania can call Access Mental Health on 1800 332 388 for:

  • immediate counselling support over the phone
  • information about the Tasmanian mental health system
  • help making a referral to public mental health services.

If you are a current consumer, you can call Access Mental Health to get in touch with your community team. GPs and other treating health professionals can also call Access Mental Health to make referrals.

Access Mental Health is operated by skilled and experienced mental health professionals. Wherever you are in Tasmania, you will speak with someone who understands the Tasmanian mental health system and the mental health services available near you.

Download the Access Mental Health Helpline brochure
Download the Access Mental Health Referral Form

Community Sector News

Emerging Minds Families

Are delighted to launch Emerging Minds Families – a brand new suite of resources that have been developed to meet the needs of parents and families looking for information and support regarding infant and child mental health.
Developed in collaboration with family members with lived experience, practitioners and using the latest research, Emerging Minds Families offers practical, accessible, and evidence-based information including videos, fact sheets, animations and podcasts.

Emerging Minds Families has over 70 new resources and includes a range of topics, such as: 
  1. Supporting parents and families living with mental illness
  2. Responding to and managing the impact of natural disasters including floods, bushfires and drought 
  3. Understanding and managing anxiety in children and young people; and
  4. Infant mental health and wellbeing.

FindHelpTas, is now available on Facebook

FindHelpTAS is a free online directory of community services for all Tasmanians. You can find advice, counselling, support groups, food relief, local community activities and everything in between — online, over the phone or face-to-face. There are over 900 programs listed from more than 400 community service organisations.

You can also become a member organisation and list your services. FindHelpTAS is a self-funded community initiative led by a partnership of Tasmanian community service organisations, supported by TasCOSS.   

                        See for yourself at www.findhelptas.org.au.                    

Provided in conjunction with Mental Health Families and Friends, the SANE Friends, Family and Carers Forum is a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental community where you can share your experiences of caring for someone living with complex mental health needs, seek advice and surround yourself with support.

The forum is free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7 by mental health professionals.

 
*Please register a few days prior to the event if you are not currently registered*
 

Join the Conversation here

Mental Health Nurse Access Program

The Mental Health Nurse Access Program (MHNAP) is a Rural Health Tasmania Inc. service that coordinates care for people with complex and severe mental illnesses across the North-west.

Mental Health Nurses ensure patients’ with severe and persistent mental illness receive appropriate case management and coordinated treatment.

To access the Mental Health Nurse Access Program, a Mental Health Care Plan and referral is required from your GP. Rural Health Tasmania can provide assistance in obtaining the Health Care Plan if required.

Read More

Carers Tasmania

We want your contribution to be valued and your voice to be heard. Carers Tasmania provides recognition, support and advice to make sure that you get the help that you need to fulfill your role to its best potential.
 
                                     email |  6144 3700 | Web

Care 2 Serve

Is the Tasmanian provider of the National Carer Gateway support services. 

To access supports all carers must first register and complete a Carer Support Plan.  This process starts with a conversation with one of our Carer Support Officers and can be over the phone, face-to-face or via video link.

                                             6144 3729 | Web

           mental health families and friends TASMANIA

acknowledges the invaluable contribution that family and friends give as they support their loved ones through their mental health diagnosis and recovery. 

MHFFTas recognises that family and friends work hard and face many challenges. Family and friends are doing the best they can with the time and resources they have. 

                         To the support person, thank you for all you do. 

Mental Health Families & Friends Tasmania is funded by the Tasmanian Government.
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