Mental Health Commission of NSW

As we continue through Mental Health Month, this week we focus on suicide prevention. Approximately 3,000 Australians end their lives by suicide each year and suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 49. Suicide affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities, addressing this issue is not just a priority, it is imperative for our collective wellbeing. 🔗 Learn more on our focus on suicide prevention in NSW: https://lnkd.in/gh_HZ724 Together, we can make strides toward a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where mental health is prioritised for everyone in NSW communities. #MentalHealthMonth #SuicidePrevention #NSW #MentalHealthNSW #CommunityCare

Yesterday, the Mental Health Commission of NSW hosted its annual Mental Health Showcase at Parliament House, highlighting the incredible support provided by community and not-for-profit organisations. With 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 7 young people in Australia facing mental health challenges, this event focused on "Breaking Down Barriers" to empower hard-to-reach populations. Representatives from diverse communities, including First Nations, youth, men, and LGBTQIA+, engaged with MPs and mental health professionals, fostering vital conversations about effective support and advocacy.   We were honoured to have Minister for Mental Health, The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, share her insights on the importance of addressing mental health issues and implementing meaningful change. The showcase also marked the first official event for our new Commissioner, Jennifer Black, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone in attendance, especially those with lived experience. A highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2024 Commissioner’s Community Champion Awards. Congratulations to Sneha Anthony, our individual award winner, whose dedication to improving mental health support in ethnic communities is truly inspiring. Special mentions go to finalists Richard Hendrie and Ursula Wharton, whose remarkable contributions continue to make a positive impact.   Learn more about Mental Health Showcase at Parliament House here: https://lnkd.in/e84DCFYX #MentalHealthMonth #MentalHealth #Showcase #BreakingDownBarriers #NSWParliament #MentalHeathNSW #NSW

The Mental Health Commission of NSW invites one and all to attend its annual showcase at the Parliament of NSW. The theme of this year’s showcase is ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ highlighting the importance of accessing hard-to-reach populations. The event will include exhibitors representing a cross-section of community mental health organisations. The Showcase will be held at the Fountain Court, Parliament of NSW this Wednesday, 23 October 2024 from 12pm – 2pm. Address from the Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, and welcome remarks from the Commissioner, Jennifer Black. Light refreshments to follow. We look forward to your attendance. #MentalHealth #Showcase #MentalHealthMonth #BreakingDownBarriers #NSW #MentalHealthNSW

Today, we celebrate Global Peer Support Day. At the Mental Health Commission of NSW, we recognise the invaluable contributions of peer workers and carers in mental health. Our Living Well Indicators highlight how these dedicated individuals not only support recovery but also instill hope and help shape the culture within mental health services. Peer workers are integral members of multidisciplinary teams, driving cultural transformation, providing essential support to individuals and families, and promoting recovery-oriented practices. As our understanding of their role within the community-managed sector grows, so does the importance of expanding the NSW peer workforce. Learn more as we honour mental health carers this week, we encourage everyone to recognise and celebrate their contributions: https://lnkd.in/g2JYsEn6 #GlobalPeerSupportDay #MentalHealth #PeerSupport #Carers #PeerWork #NSW #NSWMentalHealth

On Sunday 13 October, team members of the Mental Health Commission of NSW and our newly appointed Commissioner, Jennifer Black, joined the One Door Mental Health Wellness Walk as part of Mental Health Month. The family-friendly event promotes mental health awareness and reduces stigma. Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge symbolises bridging the gap between stigma and understanding. Together, we took steps—both literally and metaphorically—toward progress and resilience. Event participants enjoyed beautiful walks around the Royal Botanic Gardens and across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, culminating in a vibrant festival at Government House. #MentalHealthMonth #WellnessWalk #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthNSW #NSW

We're thrilled to announce the three finalists for our Commissioner's Community Champion Award in the individual category. Selecting just three from over 60 impressive nominations was no easy feat, reflecting the great work being done to improve mental health and wellbeing across NSW. Join us in congratulating: 👏 Ursula Wharton from Deep Listeners 👏 Richard Hendrie from Talk on Tap 👏 Sneha Anthony The winner will be revealed by the Hon. Rose Jackson at our Parliamentary Showcase on Wednesday, 23 October 2024. Learn more about these inspiring individuals on our website: https://lnkd.in/ggFJG_Qu #MentalHealth #CommunityChampions #MentalHealthNSW #NSW #MentalHealthMonth

Today is World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year's Mental Health Month is "Let's Talk About It", emphasising the significance of open dialogue and communication regarding mental health. Creating opportunities to connect and have meaningful conversations about mental health is vital for us all. Let’s focus on strengthening our connections— with loved ones, our community and colleagues, connections to support and services, connections to Country and importantly connections to ourselves. In 2023, Mental Health Australia revealed that half of Australians face barriers in accessing support due to financial costs, long wait times, or the pressure to manage alone. This World Mental Health Day, wear a green ribbon to show your support and readiness to talk about mental health. If you’re struggling, make today the day to reach out to one of the many services available: 📞 Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 (open 24/7) 📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14 📞 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Let's break the stigma and start the conversation. For more support, visit the NSW Health Mental Health page: https://lnkd.in/gkDPgzpW #WorldMentalHealthDay #LetsTalkAboutIt #MentalHealth #NSW #MentalHealthNSW #MentalHealthMonth

This Mental Health Month, we are focusing on key topics that impact mental health, with this week dedicated to the pressing issue of loneliness. Loneliness isn’t just about being alone; it’s the distress that comes from feeling disconnected from others. Although concerns about loneliness and social isolation predated the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues have intensified in the years that followed. It’s not just an emotional challenge - it’s a public health concern that can lead to poorer health outcomes and a reduced quality of life. In fact, nearly 40% of NSW residents reported feeling lonely, with those facing mental health issues nearly twice as likely to feel isolated. In response, the Mental Health Commission of NSW has launched several projects aimed at tackling this growing issue: 👉 Enhanced Community Wellbeing Survey: We’ve integrated the UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale into our annual survey to gain deeper insights into loneliness, particularly among those with mental health challenges. 👉 Funded a ‘Loneliness Program’ that consists of three unique approaches to engage individuals at risk or experiencing mental health issues. 👉 Recognising the urgency of addressing loneliness, the NSW Upper House is currently conducting an inquiry into its prevalence and causes. The Commission is preparing a submission to share our insights, set to be published in early November. Learn more about the work we're doing to address loneliness and build a stronger, more connected community: https://lnkd.in/gyWHn9XN #MentalHealthMonth #MentalHealth #Loneliness #CommunityWellbeing #NSW #MentalHealthNSW

Let’s talk about it – one of the first steps in addressing mental health issues, is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Month. It sounds simple, but it’s often very challenging for someone to open up about their struggles. And on the flip side, there’s an art to listening to someone who has found the courage to speak out.   Stigma plays a huge role in making it difficult for individuals to speak out about their mental health. Stigma results when a person defines another person by their mental health diagnosis rather than who they are as an individual. This stigma can worsen a person's mental health struggles and prevent them from seeking the help they need.   You can make a difference as a mental health ally by wearing a green ribbon to show your support for mental health awareness. Reach out to those around you, listen actively, and offer your support. We'll be sharing more information and resources throughout Mental Health Month on topics including stigma, loneliness and lived experience. Visit our website to learn more and get involved: https://lnkd.in/gfwMPHuz   Together, we can break the stigma and create a more supportive and understanding community for everyone's mental health.   #LetsTalkAboutIt #MentalHealthMonth2024 #MentalHealthMonth #MentalHealth #NSW #MentalHealthNSW #EndTheStigma

Congratulations to Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) and Tamil Resettlement and Community Konnect (TRACK Australia) for being joint winners of the 2024 NSW Mental Health Commissioner's Community Champion Award which was announced at the Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards today. This year, the Mental Health Commission of NSW received a record number of deserving nominations. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognise an organisation making a difference and breaking down barriers in mental health across the communities of NSW. It was a truly inspiring event, with so many deserving groups getting recognition for their efforts in improving understanding, awareness, and service provision for mental health in our communities. We are proud to share the incredible work of Deni MHAG and TRACK Australia in championing mental health initiatives. Learn more about our winners and the awards on our website: https://lnkd.in/gkhJb9ZR #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #BreakingDownBarriers #CommunityChampionAward #MentalHealthNSW #NSW #Congratulations