MENTAL HEALTH WORKER / RESEARCHER
St Vincent's & Mater Health Sydney
Temporary Part-Time
32 hours per week for 9 wks or 16 hours per week for 18 wks
Selah is a service established by the Sisters of Charity Outreach, which aims to prevent suicide and promote mental health through professional counselling and education. We are seeking a suitably qualified person to complete a report on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for suicide prevention. The research will help educate our staff regarding evidence in the field in order that they make informed strategic and therapeutic decisions. You will also liaise with other suicide prevention services, enabling us to be informed of the latest initiatives in the field. You will also contribute to the development of educational materials.
Closing Date:Wednesday 7th December 2005
For further enquiries and position description contact Roger Dunphy on 02 9360 3232 or see advertisement on www.seek.com.au
30 November 2005
29 November 2005
2ND INTERNATIONAL SUICIDALITY AND PSYCHOANALYSIS CONGRESS
Relating to Self-harm and Suicide: psychoanalytic perspectives on theory, practice and prevention
30 March - 2 April 2006
Imperial College, London, UK
Congress topics
Suicidal and self-harming behaviour is a major concern internationally. Psychoanalytic thinking and practice has an important contribution to make to the successful implementation of policy objectives - especially reducing and preventing suicide - within the contemporary socio-cultural and policy contexts. The main theme of the congress is relating to suicide and self-harm
Second Call for Papers
We invite abstracts for interactive presentations (max. 250 words). Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the congress website: www.tavi-port.org (select “Conferences” and follow the links) Deadline for abstract submission: 9 December 2005
The congress is designed for mental health practitioners, policy makers, trainers, academics and researchers working with suicide and self-harm.
Contact: The Conference and External Events Unit
The Tavistock and Portman NHSTrust
120 Belsize Lane
London NW3 5BA
UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8938 2548
Fax: +44 (0)20 7447 3837
Email: events@tavi-por t.org
Relating to Self-harm and Suicide: psychoanalytic perspectives on theory, practice and prevention
30 March - 2 April 2006
Imperial College, London, UK
Congress topics
Suicidal and self-harming behaviour is a major concern internationally. Psychoanalytic thinking and practice has an important contribution to make to the successful implementation of policy objectives - especially reducing and preventing suicide - within the contemporary socio-cultural and policy contexts. The main theme of the congress is relating to suicide and self-harm
Second Call for Papers
We invite abstracts for interactive presentations (max. 250 words). Abstracts should be submitted electronically via the congress website: www.tavi-port.org (select “Conferences” and follow the links) Deadline for abstract submission: 9 December 2005
The congress is designed for mental health practitioners, policy makers, trainers, academics and researchers working with suicide and self-harm.
Contact: The Conference and External Events Unit
The Tavistock and Portman NHSTrust
120 Belsize Lane
London NW3 5BA
UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8938 2548
Fax: +44 (0)20 7447 3837
Email: events@tavi-por t.org
25 November 2005
Suicide Prevention Coordinator (1.0 FTE)
Mental Health Services Far North (New Zealand)
Mental Health Services are seeking a Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Far North. Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a range of community agencies, whanau and individuals. Proven experience in developing and delivering educational programmes to staff in community agencies and individuals is required, as is the ability to work well in crisis situations. Closing date: 9 December 2005
To view full job advertisement visit: www.seek.com.au
Mental Health Services Far North (New Zealand)
Mental Health Services are seeking a Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Far North. Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to work effectively with a range of community agencies, whanau and individuals. Proven experience in developing and delivering educational programmes to staff in community agencies and individuals is required, as is the ability to work well in crisis situations. Closing date: 9 December 2005
To view full job advertisement visit: www.seek.com.au
Gordon inquiry followup
Article by Simon Penn in the The West Australian dated 24 November 2005
"Three years after the Gordon inquiry uncovered a child abuse and family violence epidemic in WA Aboriginal communities, Auditor-General Des Pearson has found that there is no way of telling what changes have been made and whether they have made any difference. "
The inquiry was set up in 2002 after the suicide in 1999 of a 15 year old at the Swan Valley Nyoongar camp.
Details of full report listed below:
PROGRESS WITH IMPLEMENTING THE RESPONSE TO THE GORDON INQUIRY
Report No 11 - November 2005
In December 2002, the Government announced an Action Plan in response to the Gordon Inquiry into family violence and child abuse in Aboriginal communities. The Action Plan contained more than 120 initiatives to ‘improve the capacity of government to protect children from abuse’ and was supported by $66.5 million in new funding. Fifteen public sector agencies were given responsibility for implementing these initiatives.
The examination found that there are inadequacies in the central reporting and monitoring of the progress of the Action Plan to facilitate effective oversight by Government.
View full report at: http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2005_11.html
Article by Simon Penn in the The West Australian dated 24 November 2005
"Three years after the Gordon inquiry uncovered a child abuse and family violence epidemic in WA Aboriginal communities, Auditor-General Des Pearson has found that there is no way of telling what changes have been made and whether they have made any difference. "
The inquiry was set up in 2002 after the suicide in 1999 of a 15 year old at the Swan Valley Nyoongar camp.
Details of full report listed below:
PROGRESS WITH IMPLEMENTING THE RESPONSE TO THE GORDON INQUIRY
Report No 11 - November 2005
In December 2002, the Government announced an Action Plan in response to the Gordon Inquiry into family violence and child abuse in Aboriginal communities. The Action Plan contained more than 120 initiatives to ‘improve the capacity of government to protect children from abuse’ and was supported by $66.5 million in new funding. Fifteen public sector agencies were given responsibility for implementing these initiatives.
The examination found that there are inadequacies in the central reporting and monitoring of the progress of the Action Plan to facilitate effective oversight by Government.
View full report at: http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/reports/report2005_11.html
16 November 2005
School Focused Youth Service (Victoria)
The School Focused Youth Service is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Training (DE&T) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) and complements the increase in support provided to schools in response to the recommendations of the Suicide Prevention Taskforce.
The focus of the initiative is the co-ordination of preventative and early intervention strategies for young people, to be delivered through school and community clusters. The School Focused Youth Service is designed to support effective links between the primary prevention work done by school-based support services within the education sector and the early intervention provided by the community sector. 41 school community clusters have been established across the state to ensure that services are coordinated and responsive to the needs of young people. The 41 service models will be consistent around the state, each with a co-oordinator, and brokerage capacity to respond to gaps in serviceavailability as identified by schools and community. The School Focused Youth Service will link closely to schools and relevant community agencies within each cluster.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.sfys.infoxchange.net.au/
The School Focused Youth Service is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Training (DE&T) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) and complements the increase in support provided to schools in response to the recommendations of the Suicide Prevention Taskforce.
The focus of the initiative is the co-ordination of preventative and early intervention strategies for young people, to be delivered through school and community clusters. The School Focused Youth Service is designed to support effective links between the primary prevention work done by school-based support services within the education sector and the early intervention provided by the community sector. 41 school community clusters have been established across the state to ensure that services are coordinated and responsive to the needs of young people. The 41 service models will be consistent around the state, each with a co-oordinator, and brokerage capacity to respond to gaps in serviceavailability as identified by schools and community. The School Focused Youth Service will link closely to schools and relevant community agencies within each cluster.
Further information can be found at:
http://www.sfys.infoxchange.net.au/
11 November 2005
Suicide the main killer of our kids
Article in The Courier-Mail, 9th November 2005, by Tanya Chilcott-Moore and Erica Thompson.
" Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds in Queensland...."
Article reports on:
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Annual Report (Queensland) titled:
Deaths of children and young people Queensland 2004-05
View the full report at: http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/about/whatsNew.html#annual_report
Article in The Courier-Mail, 9th November 2005, by Tanya Chilcott-Moore and Erica Thompson.
" Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds in Queensland...."
Article reports on:
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Annual Report (Queensland) titled:
Deaths of children and young people Queensland 2004-05
View the full report at: http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/about/whatsNew.html#annual_report
Stalking victims consider suicide
Article in The Age, 11th November 2005 by PETER GREGORY
"One in eight Victorian stalking victims who had been harassed for at least a fortnight had strongly considered suicide"
Discusses article " Association between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a random community sample" in the The British Journal of Psychiatry (2005) 187: 416-420
Article in The Age, 11th November 2005 by PETER GREGORY
"One in eight Victorian stalking victims who had been harassed for at least a fortnight had strongly considered suicide"
Discusses article " Association between stalking victimisation and psychiatric morbidity in a random community sample" in the The British Journal of Psychiatry (2005) 187: 416-420
Strategic Development Officer, Suicide Prevention Australia
Part Time, Fixed Term Contract. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing opportunities and supporting the establishment of SPA activities and relationships within each State and Territory, working across sectors, issues and interests. The appointee will be expected to play a critical role in the supporting implementation of the strategic directions of the organisation. ESSENTIAL• Demonstrated project and management experience • Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills • Demonstrated experience working with Government, non Government, academic and practitioner organisations • Knowledge of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and related policies.
The position will be based in Sydney. This position is expected to involve some inter-state travel and the ability to work flexibly. The successful applicant must be able to undertake such work. As a Part time position, (approximately 20 hours per week) a pro rata salary package based on an annual remuneration of $60,000 plus superannuation and annual leave loading. Salary sacrifice is available. This position is initially for an 11 month period with a potential for extension.
To Apply: Logon to www.seek.com.au and apply online. For copies of position description, selection criteria and further information can be obtained from www.suicidepreventionaust.org or by phoning the SPA office on (02) 9568 3111. Applications close: Monday 14th November.
Part Time, Fixed Term Contract. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing opportunities and supporting the establishment of SPA activities and relationships within each State and Territory, working across sectors, issues and interests. The appointee will be expected to play a critical role in the supporting implementation of the strategic directions of the organisation. ESSENTIAL• Demonstrated project and management experience • Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills • Demonstrated experience working with Government, non Government, academic and practitioner organisations • Knowledge of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and related policies.
The position will be based in Sydney. This position is expected to involve some inter-state travel and the ability to work flexibly. The successful applicant must be able to undertake such work. As a Part time position, (approximately 20 hours per week) a pro rata salary package based on an annual remuneration of $60,000 plus superannuation and annual leave loading. Salary sacrifice is available. This position is initially for an 11 month period with a potential for extension.
To Apply: Logon to www.seek.com.au and apply online. For copies of position description, selection criteria and further information can be obtained from www.suicidepreventionaust.org or by phoning the SPA office on (02) 9568 3111. Applications close: Monday 14th November.
Research Assistant - Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC)
12 months (Part-time, 0.6 – 0.8 EFT)
The Alfred ‘s Department of Psychiatry is offering an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person to join the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC). The successful applicant will manage and implement a research project being conducted within the Alfred CATT/Triage service, examining the link between gambling and suicide. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and friendly team; will be a psychology, nursing or other health professional graduate, and ideally posses clinical and/or research experience. To view the Position Description please click here.
To apply online go to www.seek.com.au. For enquiries please contact Mr Anthony de Castella Tel 9276 6564 to whom applications should be forwarded a.decastella@alfred.org.au by 11th November 2005.
12 months (Part-time, 0.6 – 0.8 EFT)
The Alfred ‘s Department of Psychiatry is offering an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person to join the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (APRC). The successful applicant will manage and implement a research project being conducted within the Alfred CATT/Triage service, examining the link between gambling and suicide. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and friendly team; will be a psychology, nursing or other health professional graduate, and ideally posses clinical and/or research experience. To view the Position Description please click here.
To apply online go to www.seek.com.au. For enquiries please contact Mr Anthony de Castella Tel 9276 6564 to whom applications should be forwarded a.decastella@alfred.org.au by 11th November 2005.
10 November 2005
Expressions of Interest - Extending OzHelp Foundation Activities to Four States
The ACT-based OzHelp Foundation deals with mental health issues faced by apprentices in the construction industry. The Foundation is focused on preventative strategies to deal with suicide and associated levels of morbidity (depression, self-harm, etc.) and impacts on the workplace. OzHelp is looking for ways of extending their work to other States. OzHelp is seeking Expressions of Interest from like-minded groups/individuals in the States of NSW, Qld, SA Note: developments in Tasmania are well advanced.
Further information is available from the project consultants:
Marybelle Ignacio
Human Capital Alliance
Ph. 02 9484 9745
Fax. 02 9484 9746
Email: marybelle.ignacio@humancapitalalliance.com.au
The ACT-based OzHelp Foundation deals with mental health issues faced by apprentices in the construction industry. The Foundation is focused on preventative strategies to deal with suicide and associated levels of morbidity (depression, self-harm, etc.) and impacts on the workplace. OzHelp is looking for ways of extending their work to other States. OzHelp is seeking Expressions of Interest from like-minded groups/individuals in the States of NSW, Qld, SA Note: developments in Tasmania are well advanced.
Further information is available from the project consultants:
Marybelle Ignacio
Human Capital Alliance
Ph. 02 9484 9745
Fax. 02 9484 9746
Email: marybelle.ignacio@humancapitalalliance.com.au
Inquiry to seek answers on suicides
Discusses a proposal put to a Senate inquiry, by Philip Morris, psychiatrist and Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health, that would mean every case of suicide nationally would be examined to find out what led to the person's death and what contacts the dead person had with public and private mental health services.
Article by Adam Cresswell
In: The Australian, 1 November 2005, page 6
Discusses a proposal put to a Senate inquiry, by Philip Morris, psychiatrist and Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health, that would mean every case of suicide nationally would be examined to find out what led to the person's death and what contacts the dead person had with public and private mental health services.
Article by Adam Cresswell
In: The Australian, 1 November 2005, page 6
04 November 2005
Teens with Deletion Syndrome Confirm Gene’s Role in Psychosis
[Press Release]
A study in youth who are missing part of a chromosome is further implicating a suspect gene in schizophrenia. Youth with this genetic chromosomal deletion syndrome already had a nearly 30-fold higher-than-normal risk of schizophrenia, but those who also had one of two common versions of the suspect gene had worse symptoms. They were more prone to cognitive decline, psychosis and frontal lobe tissue loss by late adolescence, when schizophrenia symptoms begin to emerge, found the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health
October 23, 2005
See full Press Release at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/comtdeletion.cfm?textSize=M
[Press Release]
A study in youth who are missing part of a chromosome is further implicating a suspect gene in schizophrenia. Youth with this genetic chromosomal deletion syndrome already had a nearly 30-fold higher-than-normal risk of schizophrenia, but those who also had one of two common versions of the suspect gene had worse symptoms. They were more prone to cognitive decline, psychosis and frontal lobe tissue loss by late adolescence, when schizophrenia symptoms begin to emerge, found the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health
October 23, 2005
See full Press Release at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/comtdeletion.cfm?textSize=M
Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work in adolescents? Do SSRIs lead to suicide? Jerrold Rosenbaum and Jennifer Covino answer important questions about pediatric anxiety and depression.
"The number of children and adolescents who suffer from depression continues to grow, with an estimated 1 in 20 afflicted with this illness....The prevalence of depression and anxiety is a growing public health concern because it carries the risk for significant impairment, morbidity, and mortality."
Article covers:
Psychopharmacologic Management of Depression and Anxiety in Youth
Antidepressants and Depression in Youth
TADS
CBT for Anxiety and Depression
In: Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health. 2005;8(2)
Article available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/514636
Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work in adolescents? Do SSRIs lead to suicide? Jerrold Rosenbaum and Jennifer Covino answer important questions about pediatric anxiety and depression.
"The number of children and adolescents who suffer from depression continues to grow, with an estimated 1 in 20 afflicted with this illness....The prevalence of depression and anxiety is a growing public health concern because it carries the risk for significant impairment, morbidity, and mortality."
Article covers:
Psychopharmacologic Management of Depression and Anxiety in Youth
Antidepressants and Depression in Youth
TADS
CBT for Anxiety and Depression
In: Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health. 2005;8(2)
Article available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/514636