Mental Health Commission of Western Australia

Our Commissioner Maureen Lewis and Deputy Commissioner System Development Julia Knapton (pictured) were in Kununurra today for a tour of the new Kimberley Withdrawal and Intervention Centre building. Delivered by Wunan, the centre will provide a low medical withdrawal service in the region, offering the local community a safe place to withdraw from alcohol and other drug issues.

Help develop our Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-2030. There are many ways you can provide your feedback and have your say. Download our Discussion Paper and have your say before 2 December 2024. https://lnkd.in/gUYW7-t3

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from people with a personal lived experience of alcohol-related harm, for the WA Model for Violence Prevention Pilot Working Group (Working Group). This could be your own experience, or the experience of someone close to you. There are two positions for community members and two for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members. Working Group members will provide advice and guidance on the development of community-based strategies to prevent alcohol-related violence and harm. For more information visit https://lnkd.in/gc3cjuWV

We are seeking enthusiastic and dynamic applicants for the role of Manager Information Development. This role is responsible for contributing to the development of quality mental health and alcohol and other drug services within the state, by providing expert advice and support in the ongoing development of information systems and data collection. If you have this experience, we want to hear from you! The ideal candidate will have leadership experience and technical knowledge in managing relational databases that contain sensitive health data. To learn more and to submit your application, please click the link below. Applications close 4pm, 5 November.   https://lnkd.in/ggnqdMC4

Last chance to have your say! 💬 The Butterfly Foundation is inviting all young people aged 12-18 years to share their experiences and ideas on creating a more BodyKind Australia. To take part in the anonymous survey, which closes soon, visit https://lnkd.in/gCbbs-mv

The tender for the Karratha Step Up/Step Down service has been released. Located near the town centre, this service will provide vital psychosocial and clinical support services to help people manage their mental health and wellbeing. Richmond Wellbeing will lead the support service, in partnership with Hope Community Services Ltd, while WA Country Health Service will provide clinical services such as counselling and therapies. The tender closes on 8 November 2024 https://bit.ly/4dLsmqG Find more information on our website: https://bit.ly/3Y9w1Zo

In recognition of National Carers Week, one of our Parent and Peer volunteers, who supports carers of people experiencing drug or alcohol issues, shared her experience with Commission staff.   Sandy (pictured below in middle) started her career as a registered nurse before returning to university to complete a Bachelor of Science to become a speech pathologist, working mainly with people who had an acquired brain injury. On retirement seven years ago, she took on several volunteer roles, one of which was with our Parent and Family Support program. Let’s take a moment this week to show our support and appreciation for people, like Sandy, who give so selflessly every day. #NationalCarersWeek #SupportCarers #ThankYouCarers

This week is National Carers Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care and support to loved ones. Carers show incredible resilience and make a profound impact on our communities. At some point, we will all either know, be, or need a carer. Let’s take this week to show our support and appreciation for those who give so selflessly every day. Find out how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/grz56Z6u  #NationalCarersWeek #SupportCarers #ThankYouCarers

Yesterday, Commission staff gathered over morning tea to celebrate Mental Health Week. Mental Health Commissioner Maureen Lewis was joined by our Assistant Commissioners, Elders Uncle Charlie and Aunty Helen, and Commission staff to acknowledge our achievements over the past year and take time out to connect with one other. There are lots of ways you can stay connected. You could reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, join a group or class on a topic that interests you or simply smile at a stranger. Visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au for more tips on looking after your mental health and wellbeing. https://bit.ly/486FfdT

Today, we come together to recognise World Mental Health Day, a vital opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes overlooked. Take a moment to reflect on your mental health and how are you feeling. Visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au for tips on looking after your mental health and wellbeing. https://bit.ly/486FfdT