MindMatters National Conference
“Going Well ”
Novotel, Brighton Beach, Sydney
18–19 March 2005
Pre-conference workshops 17 March 2005
Our theme explores our resources and experiences in ‘going well’ as individuals, schools and community.
The main conference workshops and features are:
• The Media and Health & Wellbeing
• Internet and intranet resources
• Staff Matters — our new resource
• The launch of the new MindMatters video
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
• Families Matter
• MindMatters Plus — schools talk about supporting students with high needs
• Leadership and Health & Wellbeing
• Evaluating Health & Wellbeing
• Primary schools and Health & Wellbeing
The Pre-conference workshops include:
• Australian Divisions of General Practice and schools
• MindMatters Plus schools
• Health & Wellbeing for Principals
• Families Matter training for parents, families and schools
• ResponseAbility — the tertiary perspective
• Student Leadership
28 October 2004
Help-seeking behaviours of suicidal men aged 17-35 years: A consumer consultation and participation pilot project.
To respond to the increasing rate of suicide among men aged 17-35 years in Western Australia, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing funded the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention to conduct research and consultation on a range of issues related to men and suicidal behaviour, including help-seeking, service provision and access to services.
The project was conducted between December 2002 to July 2004, with data collected between September 2003 and May 2004.
The central task of the project was to gain information from men themselves regarding their attitudes to, and knowledge of, suicide, their behaviours in dealing with their own suicidal ideation or knowledge of how other people deal with their suicidal ideation, and their experiences when seeking help either from professionals or from family, friends and informal networks. The project also consulted carers, community members and service providers to explore their experiences of supporting suicidal men thereby obtaining more holistic view of the issues. Consultations targeted individuals and services in Perth metropolitan and outer-metropolitan areas.
To respond to the increasing rate of suicide among men aged 17-35 years in Western Australia, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing funded the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention to conduct research and consultation on a range of issues related to men and suicidal behaviour, including help-seeking, service provision and access to services.
The project was conducted between December 2002 to July 2004, with data collected between September 2003 and May 2004.
The central task of the project was to gain information from men themselves regarding their attitudes to, and knowledge of, suicide, their behaviours in dealing with their own suicidal ideation or knowledge of how other people deal with their suicidal ideation, and their experiences when seeking help either from professionals or from family, friends and informal networks. The project also consulted carers, community members and service providers to explore their experiences of supporting suicidal men thereby obtaining more holistic view of the issues. Consultations targeted individuals and services in Perth metropolitan and outer-metropolitan areas.
Positions Available
Department of Justice
Manager Suicide Prevention
003180
Level 7: $73,030 - $78,274 pa (PSGA)
WORK TYPE: Permanent - Full Time
LOCATION: Offender Services
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Manager Suicide Prevention oversees and continuously refines the policy and practice of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy for the Prisons Division.The position provides support for operational prison based teams, ongoing monitoring of suicide prevention standards and implementation of relevant strategies and identifies and coordinates suicide prevention training. The Manager is also responsible for fostering and maintaining relevant partnerships and networks to ensure a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.
JOB APPLICATION PACKAGE: jobs.wa.gov.au or 08 9476 0011
Department of Justice
Manager Suicide Prevention
003180
Level 7: $73,030 - $78,274 pa (PSGA)
WORK TYPE: Permanent - Full Time
LOCATION: Offender Services
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Manager Suicide Prevention oversees and continuously refines the policy and practice of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy for the Prisons Division.The position provides support for operational prison based teams, ongoing monitoring of suicide prevention standards and implementation of relevant strategies and identifies and coordinates suicide prevention training. The Manager is also responsible for fostering and maintaining relevant partnerships and networks to ensure a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.
JOB APPLICATION PACKAGE: jobs.wa.gov.au or 08 9476 0011
Diagnostic Complexities and Treatment Issues in Childhood Bipolar Disorder
DelBello, M.P (2004) Diagnostic Complexities and Treatment Issues in Childhood Bipolar Disorder. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health 9 (2)
Bipolar disorder in children was previously thought to be an uncommon occurrence. It is becoming increasingly recognized that bipolar disorder commonly presents in childhood and early adolescence. However, the diagnostic process is complex in youth. The developmentally specific and variable presentation that characterizes pediatric bipolar disorder leads to diagnostic confusion, yet the impact of bipolar disorder on the psychosocial and psychological development of children and adolescents is significant. Early diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder may decrease the symptoms and possibly alter the course of illness. Treatment options for bipolar disorder are expanding rapidly, and the clinician is now better able to treat the disorder while minimizing side effects.
DelBello, M.P (2004) Diagnostic Complexities and Treatment Issues in Childhood Bipolar Disorder. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health 9 (2)
20 October 2004
Carers Week 17-23 October 2004
Carers Week is a national awareness week held during October each year in Australia. The event was established to promote and raise awareness of the valuable role that carers play in our community and to generate discussion about carer issues. Carers Week also provides an opportunity for carers to come together, support one another and share ideas and information.
The theme for Carers Week 2004 is - 'Health and Wellbeing' and the focus will be to:
- Raise awareness of the extra role that carers take on, and the health issues they may face
- Support carers to take action which positively enhances their own health and wellbeing
For more information go to on carers week events and the Carers Week calendar visit: www.carersaustralia.com.au
Carers Week is a national awareness week held during October each year in Australia. The event was established to promote and raise awareness of the valuable role that carers play in our community and to generate discussion about carer issues. Carers Week also provides an opportunity for carers to come together, support one another and share ideas and information.
The theme for Carers Week 2004 is - 'Health and Wellbeing' and the focus will be to:
- Raise awareness of the extra role that carers take on, and the health issues they may face
- Support carers to take action which positively enhances their own health and wellbeing
For more information go to on carers week events and the Carers Week calendar visit: www.carersaustralia.com.au
18 October 2004
The Australian Psychological Society Ltd
INTEREST GROUP ON CHILD, ADOLESCENT AND FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY (W A)
Professional Development Programme 2004
"Working together: Interagency collaboration on children who have a parent with Mental Illness"
presented by Anna Clippingdale, Senior Program Officer, Office of Mental Health and Professor David Hay, School of Psychology Curtin University
Date: Monday, October 25th, 2004
Venue: Ruah Centre NORTHBRIDGE 33 Shenton Street (cnr John St.) Opposite Russell Square.
Time: 6:30 pm, Light Supper 7:00 pm
Seminar Cost: $5 CAFPIG members & students. $10 non-members
Please RSVP to Carole Gamsby on 6304 5626 Fax: 6304 5834 or e-mail c.gamsby@ecu.edu.au
In late 2002 the report "Pathways to Resilience" was launched, identifying for WA the needs of children with a parent who has mental illness (COPMI). Since then, a Statewide Strategic Committee has worked on how best to implement services for these children. Anna will outline the initiatives to help agencies collaborate on the support of COPMI and David will discuss the issues in prioritising workforce development - who needs additional skilling and awareness of how other agencies see the same family. Both Anna and David will discuss the difficult issue of why agencies feel they need to intervene with these children and how their intervention could be evaluated.
ABC Radio National
IN CONVERSATION: Devils, Drugs and Doctors
Thursday 21 October, 2.15pm
IN CONVERSATION: Devils, Drugs and Doctors
Thursday 21 October, 2.15pm
Dr Tony Kidman has written a short history of depression - an ailment suffered by the young people he treats. What is the choice of therapies? What horrors did folk of old have to endure? And what are the prospects forthe remarkably large percentage of Australians who are
depressed?
Medical Journal of Australia - year 2004 - volume 181 - issue 7 - part SUPPL
Depression: Reducing the Burden
4 October 2004
Table of contents
---------------------------------------------------------------
Reducing the burden of depression: Are we making progress in Australia?
Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
"How much more can we lose?": Carer and family perspectives on living with a person with depression
Highet, N.J., McNair, B.G., Davenport, T.A & Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
Suicide and mental health in rural, remote and metropolitan areas in Australia
Caldwell, T.M., Jorm, A.F. & Dear, K.B.G
---------------------------------------------------------------
General practitioners' response to depression and anxiety in the Australian community: A preliminary analysis
Hickie, I.B., Pirkis, J.E., Blashki, G.A., Groom, G.L. & Davenport, T.A
---------------------------------------------------------------
Making new choices about antidepressants in Australia: The long view 1975-2002
Mant, A., Rendle, V.A., Hall, W.D., Mitchell, P.B., Montgomery, W.S., McManus, P.R. & Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
Overdose in young people using heroin: Associations with mental health, prescription drug use and personal circumstances
Burns, J.M., Martyres, R.F., Clode, D. & Boldero, J.M
---------------------------------------------------------------
Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders
Jorm, A.F., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K..M., Parslow, R.A. Rodgers, B.B & Kelly, A.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Experience with treatment services for people with bipolar disorder
Highet, N.J., McNair, B.G., Thompson, M., Davenport, T.A - Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
A National Depression Index for Australia
Mackinnon, A., Jorm, A.F. & Hickie, I.B
Depression: Reducing the Burden
4 October 2004
Table of contents
---------------------------------------------------------------
Reducing the burden of depression: Are we making progress in Australia?
Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
"How much more can we lose?": Carer and family perspectives on living with a person with depression
Highet, N.J., McNair, B.G., Davenport, T.A & Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
Suicide and mental health in rural, remote and metropolitan areas in Australia
Caldwell, T.M., Jorm, A.F. & Dear, K.B.G
---------------------------------------------------------------
General practitioners' response to depression and anxiety in the Australian community: A preliminary analysis
Hickie, I.B., Pirkis, J.E., Blashki, G.A., Groom, G.L. & Davenport, T.A
---------------------------------------------------------------
Making new choices about antidepressants in Australia: The long view 1975-2002
Mant, A., Rendle, V.A., Hall, W.D., Mitchell, P.B., Montgomery, W.S., McManus, P.R. & Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
Overdose in young people using heroin: Associations with mental health, prescription drug use and personal circumstances
Burns, J.M., Martyres, R.F., Clode, D. & Boldero, J.M
---------------------------------------------------------------
Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders
Jorm, A.F., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K..M., Parslow, R.A. Rodgers, B.B & Kelly, A.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Experience with treatment services for people with bipolar disorder
Highet, N.J., McNair, B.G., Thompson, M., Davenport, T.A - Hickie, I.B
---------------------------------------------------------------
A National Depression Index for Australia
Mackinnon, A., Jorm, A.F. & Hickie, I.B
Adolescent depression and suicide risk: Association with sex and drug behavior
Hallfors, D.D., Waller, M.W., Ford, C.A., Halpern, C.T., Brodish, P.H and Iritani, B. Adolescent depression and suicide risk: Association with sex and drug behavior. 2004. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 27 (3) : 224-231
Depression is common among adolescents, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds. Although both health problems have been associated with drug use and early sexual intercourse, the relationship has not been systematically studied in a nationally representative sample.The full citation of the article is:
The study found that teens engaging in risk behaviors are at increased odds for depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Although causal direction has not been established, involvement in any sex or drug use is cause for concern, and should be a clinical indication for mental health screening for girls; both boys and girls should be screened if engaging in any marijuana or illegal drug use.
Hallfors, D.D., Waller, M.W., Ford, C.A., Halpern, C.T., Brodish, P.H and Iritani, B. Adolescent depression and suicide risk: Association with sex and drug behavior. 2004. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 27 (3) : 224-231
Focus on Carers Symposium 2004
"We must be the change we want to see "
21 October 2004
Opens 7.45am to 5.30pm
Buswood Convention Centre, Perth
The symposium examines the four key components that are vital in meeting the needs of people with a caring role.
Program Topics
1. Recognition: Carer friendly community
How do we create a caring culture which values and respects carers? Learn of models that recognise, involve and consider the caring role.
2. Methods: Carer friendly practices
How are services developing and responding to carer needs?
3. Relationships: Caring together
How do we nurture relationships built on listening to, understanding and supporting each other?
4. Health & well-being: Caring for myself
What we need to do to look after ourselves, taking steps to feel good inside and out.
All enquiries prior to the symposium can be directed to the appointed Symposium Manager:
EventEdge International, on (08) 9387 1488 or at info@eventedge.com.au.
"We must be the change we want to see "
21 October 2004
Opens 7.45am to 5.30pm
Buswood Convention Centre, Perth
The symposium examines the four key components that are vital in meeting the needs of people with a caring role.
Program Topics
1. Recognition: Carer friendly community
How do we create a caring culture which values and respects carers? Learn of models that recognise, involve and consider the caring role.
2. Methods: Carer friendly practices
How are services developing and responding to carer needs?
3. Relationships: Caring together
How do we nurture relationships built on listening to, understanding and supporting each other?
4. Health & well-being: Caring for myself
What we need to do to look after ourselves, taking steps to feel good inside and out.
All enquiries prior to the symposium can be directed to the appointed Symposium Manager:
EventEdge International, on (08) 9387 1488 or at info@eventedge.com.au.
Positions available
Manager, Bentley Community HealthSouth Metropolitan Area Health ServicePosition no: 003356
Level 9, $75,521-$78,118
Responsible to manage and lead the Community Health program in the Bentley region and for the ongoing management of community health services in the Bentley area. Working as part of the Population Health management team, developing and implementing the business and strategic plans for the service. The Manager will develop and maintain relationships with community stakeholders across the region with the aim of optimising service delivery by building effective partnerships.Further job related information contact Mandy Seel 9431 0200.
For job application package visit jobs.wa.gov.au or phone 9431 2474
Closing date: 4pm Friday 29 October
Manager, Bentley Community HealthSouth Metropolitan Area Health ServicePosition no: 003356
Level 9, $75,521-$78,118
Responsible to manage and lead the Community Health program in the Bentley region and for the ongoing management of community health services in the Bentley area. Working as part of the Population Health management team, developing and implementing the business and strategic plans for the service. The Manager will develop and maintain relationships with community stakeholders across the region with the aim of optimising service delivery by building effective partnerships.Further job related information contact Mandy Seel 9431 0200.
For job application package visit jobs.wa.gov.au or phone 9431 2474
Closing date: 4pm Friday 29 October
15 October 2004
Community Safety Month
For the first time in Western Australia, the State Government will host community Safety Month in October, 2004. The month aims to raise awareness of safety and injury prevention through the showcasing of government and non-government community safety progress, events and activities - and the role they play in building safer communities.
Community Safety Month will focus on the following themes:
For the first time in Western Australia, the State Government will host community Safety Month in October, 2004. The month aims to raise awareness of safety and injury prevention through the showcasing of government and non-government community safety progress, events and activities - and the role they play in building safer communities.
Community Safety Month will focus on the following themes:
- Injury Prevention
- Crime Prevention
- Road Safety
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Women's Safety
07 October 2004
ABC THE HEALTH REPORT
The end of stress as we know it
Monday 4 October, 8.30am, Radio National
Stress is a term that is often over-used and misunderstood. Professor Bruce McEwen of Rockefeller University in New York City has written a book titled 'The End of Stress as we know it'. He claims that once people have read this book they will not think of stress in the same way as before. The book, whose co-author is science writer Elizabeth Norton Lasley, deals with the biology and psychology of stress. In this week's Health Report, Professor McEwen talks about his work and ideas on stress.
The end of stress as we know it
Monday 4 October, 8.30am, Radio National
Stress is a term that is often over-used and misunderstood. Professor Bruce McEwen of Rockefeller University in New York City has written a book titled 'The End of Stress as we know it'. He claims that once people have read this book they will not think of stress in the same way as before. The book, whose co-author is science writer Elizabeth Norton Lasley, deals with the biology and psychology of stress. In this week's Health Report, Professor McEwen talks about his work and ideas on stress.
Positions available
Youth and Family Service Manager (Youth Focus)
We seek a highly experienced full-time professional with appropriate qualifications to co-ordinate and ensure best practice in the delivery and development of services provided by Youth Focus to young people 12-18 yrs and their families, showing early signs associated with suicide and deliberate self-harm.
The successful applicant will have a minimum of 10 years experience in, and commitment to, the youth field, including a background in development, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic support programmes. The applicant will have qualifications in management and substantial experience as a programme manager. The applicant will have knowledge of industry issues, a thorough understanding of engaging young people with complex/multiple issues and an ability to secure funding.
The Youth & Family Services Manager will hold a senior position reporting to the CEO with an involvement in strategic direction and service development. An attractive salary package of $65,000 - $75,000 is offered. Previous applicants need not apply. Applicants must include a curriculum vitae and selection criteria response. For an application package, please telephone 9362 4222 or email youthfocus@yct.asn.au. Applications should be addressed to CEO, Youth Focus, 54 Goodwood Parade, Burswood, 6100 or emailed to jenny@yct.ash.au by 8th October 2004
Services Manager (Youth Focus)
Fulltime with some evening and weekend work required
(Salary Package - $65,000 - $74,000)
POSITION OBJECTIVE
To coordinate and ensure best practice in the delivery and development of services provided by Youth Focus to young people (12-18 years) and their families showing early signs associated with suicide and deliberate self-harm.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESP0NSIBILITIES
- To maintain overall management and clinical standards of Youth Focus' Youth and Family Services.
- To ensure the ongoing promotion and development of Youth Focus programs and services as a 'centre of excellence'.
- To adopt a lead role in the promotion and ongoing development and implementation of agency policy and procedures.
- To work in partnership with the CEO to review and develop strategic direction and appropriate service response/s.
- To be responsible for the administration of the Services budget.
- To compile and present annual Business Plan, agency statistics, and written reports to meet funding body and organisational requirements.
- To promote and represent Youth Focus on local, state and national committees and working parties as required and to undertake regular formal and informal networking.
- To work alone and in partnership with Youth Focus personnel as well as external organisations in order to source and secure ongoing and future funding.
- To ensure ongoing and effective evaluation of Youth Focus’ services.
- To ensure that all targets and funding conditions of funding agreements are met to a level of excellence.
- To liaise daily with the CEO to ensure effective management of the agency.
- To provide professional supervision and clinical direction for Youth and Families Service senior staff.
- To ensure that Youth and Family Services works in partnership with other areas and aspects of the organisation, in order to deliver a efficient and effective service to clients, sponsors and partners.
- Participation in appropriate training and professional development.
- As part of the team, work to ensure the values, purpose and vision of Youth Focus is upheld.Other duties within the scope of the position.
For an application package, please telephone 9362 4222 or email youthfocus@yct.asn.au. Applications should be addressed to CEO, Youth Focus, 54 Goodwood Parade, Burswood, 6100 or emailed to jenny@yct.ash.au by 8th October 2004.
Youth and Family Service Manager (Youth Focus)
We seek a highly experienced full-time professional with appropriate qualifications to co-ordinate and ensure best practice in the delivery and development of services provided by Youth Focus to young people 12-18 yrs and their families, showing early signs associated with suicide and deliberate self-harm.
The successful applicant will have a minimum of 10 years experience in, and commitment to, the youth field, including a background in development, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic support programmes. The applicant will have qualifications in management and substantial experience as a programme manager. The applicant will have knowledge of industry issues, a thorough understanding of engaging young people with complex/multiple issues and an ability to secure funding.
The Youth & Family Services Manager will hold a senior position reporting to the CEO with an involvement in strategic direction and service development. An attractive salary package of $65,000 - $75,000 is offered. Previous applicants need not apply. Applicants must include a curriculum vitae and selection criteria response. For an application package, please telephone 9362 4222 or email youthfocus@yct.asn.au. Applications should be addressed to CEO, Youth Focus, 54 Goodwood Parade, Burswood, 6100 or emailed to jenny@yct.ash.au by 8th October 2004
Services Manager (Youth Focus)
Fulltime with some evening and weekend work required
(Salary Package - $65,000 - $74,000)
POSITION OBJECTIVE
To coordinate and ensure best practice in the delivery and development of services provided by Youth Focus to young people (12-18 years) and their families showing early signs associated with suicide and deliberate self-harm.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESP0NSIBILITIES
- To maintain overall management and clinical standards of Youth Focus' Youth and Family Services.
- To ensure the ongoing promotion and development of Youth Focus programs and services as a 'centre of excellence'.
- To adopt a lead role in the promotion and ongoing development and implementation of agency policy and procedures.
- To work in partnership with the CEO to review and develop strategic direction and appropriate service response/s.
- To be responsible for the administration of the Services budget.
- To compile and present annual Business Plan, agency statistics, and written reports to meet funding body and organisational requirements.
- To promote and represent Youth Focus on local, state and national committees and working parties as required and to undertake regular formal and informal networking.
- To work alone and in partnership with Youth Focus personnel as well as external organisations in order to source and secure ongoing and future funding.
- To ensure ongoing and effective evaluation of Youth Focus’ services.
- To ensure that all targets and funding conditions of funding agreements are met to a level of excellence.
- To liaise daily with the CEO to ensure effective management of the agency.
- To provide professional supervision and clinical direction for Youth and Families Service senior staff.
- To ensure that Youth and Family Services works in partnership with other areas and aspects of the organisation, in order to deliver a efficient and effective service to clients, sponsors and partners.
- Participation in appropriate training and professional development.
- As part of the team, work to ensure the values, purpose and vision of Youth Focus is upheld.Other duties within the scope of the position.
For an application package, please telephone 9362 4222 or email youthfocus@yct.asn.au. Applications should be addressed to CEO, Youth Focus, 54 Goodwood Parade, Burswood, 6100 or emailed to jenny@yct.ash.au by 8th October 2004.