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Advocates & Allies: sector development series
Helping mental health workers better understand the complexities of the mental health system in New South Wales.
Welcome to this series of informative sector development webinars, developed by Mental Health Coordinating Council to help mental health workers better understand the agencies, programs and practices that make up the mental health and broader human services system.
This information is for anyone working in mental health in NSW who wants to build advocacy skills to support people as they navigate a complex service system.
WEBINAR 12
Human rights – more than words and good intentions
16 September 2024
Three knowledgeable presenters help us understand and think though some of the tensions, challenges and opportunities a Human Rights Act may throw up at us. This webinar is an opportunity to explore the implications for service providers in adopting a human-rights approach when working directly with people experiencing mental health challenges. Reading list
Speakers
Terry Carney AO – Emeritus Professor, Law School University of Sydney Presentation slides
Dr Piers Gooding – Associate Professor, La Trobe Law School Presentation slides
Professor Sharon Lawn – College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Executive Director, Lived Experience Australia Presentation slides
WEBINAR 11
Mental Health Carers in Focus: Reform, rights, research & the Carer lived experience
27 March 2024
Three unique presenters discuss their involvement in systemic advocacy and reform processes, as well as share research insights and where to access support, training and information resources. Additionally, we learn from a carer peer about the significance of lived experience in supporting other carers of people living with mental health challenges.
Speakers
Dr Richard Baldwin – Policy Officer, Official Visitor, Mental Health Carers NSW
Eileen McDonald – CEO, Lived Experience Consultant, Bipolar Australia
WEBINAR 10
Taking care of ourselves: support, selfcare and vicarious trauma
4 December 2023
Hear from industry experts on strategies and support for those working in mental health, with a particular emphasis on frontline workers.
Speakers
Dr Melissa Black – Clinical Research Lead and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog (responsible for the development and management of TEN-The Essential Network for Health Professionals)
Vicki Katsfis – Senior Peer Learning Advisor/Educator, South East Sydney Recovery and Wellbeing College
Jemima Isbester – Senior Peer Manager, Sydney LHD
WEBINAR 9
stigma and discrimination – maximising human rights
20 July 2023
Learn more about work being done to maximise human rights and reduce barriers for people in NSW, including those living with mental health and coexisting conditions.
Speakers
Karyn Bartholomew – Manager of Enquiries & Conciliation, Anti-Discrimination NSW, Department of Communities and Justice
Dr Michelle Blanchard – Executive Director of Strategic Projects, National Mental Health Commission
Tim Heffernan – Deputy Commissioner, Mental Health Commission of New South Wales
WEBINAR 8
Homelessness and Mental Health – Systemic Change for a better future
16 March 2023
Hear about how organisations and communities are working towards meeting the needs of people with lived experience of mental health and homelessness.
Speakers
Trina Jones – CEO, Homelessness NSW. Presentation slides
Shane Jakupec – Senior Operations Manager, Neami National
John Mason – Lived Experience Consumer
WEBINAR 7
Realising rights and the voices of older people with lived experience
5 December 2022
Hear how organisations and communities can meet the needs and aspirations of older people with lived experiences of mental health and disability through collaboration, capacity building, supported decision making and recovery.
Speakers
Robert Fitzgerald AM – Commissioner, NSW Ageing and Disability Commission
Elizabeth Abbott – Acting Director, Older People’s Mental Health Policy Unit, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health. Presentation slides
Bryan Hoolahan – Senior Policy Officer, Older Persons Mental Health Policy Unit, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health. Presentation slides
Bharat Nepal – Senior Peer Worker with Pathways to Community Living /OPMH, Western Sydney Local Health District
WEBINAR 6
working in the digital space
8 September 2022
Hear from community organisations about the diversity of services they provide to people living with mental health and psychosocial disability in the constantly changing digital environment.
To support the delivery of digital services for community organisations, view our Digital Service Delivery Guide.
Speakers
Corinne Henderson – Principal Policy Advisor, Mental Health Coordinating Council
Jo Young – Online Program Worker, GROW. Presentation slides
Phoebe Connors – Operations Manager for Psychosocial Services, Uniting NSW/ACT. Presentation slides
Sigrid Staender-Challender – Grower & Chair of the Branch Program Team NSW/ACT, GROW
WEBINAR 5
INclusive Practice with LGBTIQ+ People
24 March 2022
Hear about how service culture can help LGBTIQ+ people take control of their mental health and how it can support better outcomes for them and their communities. Become more aware of LGBTIQ+ experience in some services and the difficulties people have when services do not pay attention to their perspectives and particular needs.
For a directory of LGBTIQ+ community groups and services in NSW, visit Rainbow Cultures.
Speakers
Chris Keyes – Drug Health Manager, Central & Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network. Presentation slides
Genevieve Whitlam – Associate Director, Client and Clinical Services, ACON. Presentation slides
Georgie Hartigan – Mental Health Peer Worker, Community Health Promotion Officer Suicide Prevention Programs ACON
WEBINAR 4
nsw mental Health review tribunal
14 October 2021
Decisions made by the Mental Health Review Tribunal can impact significantly on the lives of the people detained in mental health facilities, and in the community. Learn more about the Tribunal and how it considers complex evidence, and balances competing rights and interests at a webinar with Deputy President Maria Bisgoni and Tribunal colleagues.
Speakers
Maria Bisgoni – Deputy President, NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal
Dr Charles Doutney – Consultant Psychiatrist, NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal Member
Corinne Henderson – Principal Policy Advisor, Mental Health Coordinating Council, Mental Health Review Tribunal Member
Athena Field – Peer Community Education Program & Workforce Practice Advisor, Wellways
Darren Wagner – Manager Peer Support Team, Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Service
WEBINAR 3
Towards Zero Suicides Initiative
13 May 2021
In this webinar we explore the Towards Zero Suicides Initiative to gain a better understanding of its interface with the community-managed sector and how to access Towards Zero Suicides services.
Speakers
Deb Hoban – Senior Policy Officer, Towards Zero Suicides Initiative, NSW Ministry of Health. Presentation slides
Ella Fyfe – Suicide Prevention Services Manager, Wellways. Presentation slides
Sarah Reynolds – Acting Coordinating, Towards Zero Suicides, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. Presentation slides
WEBINAR 2
the role of Primary health networks in recovery
2 December 2020
In this webinar, hear how Primary Health Networks operate, learn about their role in suicide prevention planning, and find out more about how they commission services.
WEBINAR 1
Health Care Complaints Commission
17 September 2020
Learn about the role of the Health Care Complaints Commission, the complaints process and how workers can support people who have concerns about their health care.
