Suicide Prevention Research Scheme launched; First Nations social & emotional wellbeing grants; mental health peer work scholarships; Qld Budget; Putting Qld kids first report; new childrens mental health resources; Exiting youth detention report
Over the past month or so I’ve had some fantastic opportunities to engage with a range of individuals, organisations, and communities from across Queensland that are undertaking some groundbreaking work in the area of mental health and suicide prevention. This has included the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Network Forum in Warwick, the Queensland Regional Suicide Prevention Networks Meet-Up in
Townsville, a QPASST staff event on culturally and linguistically diverse community mental health, Mind Blank's recent mental health wellness workshop and finally the Queensland Infant Mental Health Symposium.
Thank you to all who have hosted me and for so many enriching conversations on the community-based care, solutions and reform that is taking place across Queensland.
Suicide Prevention Research Scheme
I'm pleased to announce the Suicide Prevention Research Scheme grants are now live. A total of $1.05 million dollars will be invested over two years to fund research into suicide and suicide prevention. Every life lost to suicide is one too many and these grants will help build the evidence base on what works to prevent suicide and strengthen Queensland’s ability to deliver high quality suicide prevention initiatives. The grant program supports reform under the Every life suicide prevention plan by strengthening evidence-based suicide prevention. The grants are open to all Queensland universities and you can find out more on the Commission's website.
State budget
This month the 2024-25 state budget was released, including a record $28.9 billion health budget. It was encouraging to see investment in the early years, our health workforces and services, and regional and rural and First Nations communities. It was also great to see investment in the determinants of mental health and wellbeing. Where we live, work and play as well as our financial security can have huge impacts on our mental health and it’s important these factors are prioritised. You can read more about some of the highlights here.
Putting Queensland Kids First
Overwhelming the evidence tells us that supporting children and families as soon as we can during early childhood, leads to better outcomes for everyone. That's why I was pleased to see Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime plan launched this month. The plan has been shaped with input from Queensland families, experts, academics, advocates, and professionals in the sector across the state including the Commission. This important work aligns with the Shifting minds reform priority of getting in early and promoting the optimal start in life. Take a look at the plan.
First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing Grants
The Commission in partnership with the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts is pleased to announce the First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants are now open for applications. The grants are part of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program which will see the Commission invest $2 million over 2 years in co-designed initiatives with local leadership that improve mental health and social emotional wellbeing outcomes, reduce harm and increase safety associated with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, and reduce rates of suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Grants of up to $400,000 are available for five initiatives and applications close on 12 July.
Upbeat Arts has launched a new choir in Buderim and is looking for founding members! The group-oriented recovery program brings people together to build wellbeing and confidence and is focused on those with experiences of mental ill-health, or who may be marginalised or facing disadvantage. They also have two Brisbane choirs and run a number of other programs.
A new peak to help combat social isolation and loneliness and improve social connections for older people has been announced by the Queensland Government. The $1.25 million investment will provide leadership, advice and support to more than 40 seniors social isolation services throughout the state.
Every year, in the first week of July National NAIDOC Week takes place to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's NAIDOC week runs from 1-7 July and there's lots of events to get involved with and some great resources to learn more on the NAIDOC Week website.
Survey into lived experiences of Australian LGBTQ+
Researchers from Charles Stuart University are calling for input into a study on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Australia. They are seeking input from people of diverse sexualities and gender identities who live in both metro areas and rural towns in Australia. To find out more click below.
Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership has released a new report to better support Queensland kids through natural disasters, including a series of principles and recommendations for systems to support kids' resilience and wellbeing.
Opportunity for mental health peer work scholarships
Are you interested in undertaking a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work course? Applications are currently open for the peer work scholarships program which is being delivered by the Queensland Alliance of Mental Health, on behalf of the Commission. A total of 124 scholarships have been awarded so far, and the current round closes 15 July. Find out more and apply below.
The Equally Well Forum was held in Melbourne this month, bringing together a range of stakeholders to discuss the latest research, challenges and insights on the physical health of people living with mental ill-health. This year's forum focused on embedding lived experience and the Commission was pleased to provide bursaries for fellow Queenslanders with lived experience to attend. The forum also saw the launch of a new report,Unequally Unwell: Shorter life expectancies, reduced life opportunitieswhich examines mortality rates of people with mental ill-health.
The Queensland Government will invest more than $24 million to deliver a new eight-bed adolescent mental health unit in Cairns to provide direct acute support for young people.
Are you 16-25? If so, you're invited to take part in Prevention United's National Youth Survey. The survey aims to figure out the biggest issues facing youth mental health and solutions with a focus on prevention.
The Queensland Family and Child Commission has canvassed the views of young people who have experience of youth detention, their families, and those who work with them. The report examines the root causes of offending, the impact of negative community attitudes and what would better support them to avoid reoffending after release.
Emerging Minds Australia have released some great new resources to help parents, loved ones, educators and anyone interacting with children to better understand and support children's mental health. This includes an animation called Emm who shares some of the key things every adult should know.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer has declared a public health alert around the rise in mental health issues among the state's young people, coinciding with the emergence of smart phones and social media.
The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) is currently inviting young Queenslanders to participate in its 2024 Child Rights Report. If you, or a young person you know, has a story to share, the QFCC wants to hear it.
New resources for psychology supervisors to increase cultural safety. The Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project has launched an Australian-first suite of free resources for psychology supervisors aimed to increase cultural safety when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Take a look.
$11.2 million for at-risk women and children. The funding over two years will support two early intervention initiatives to help women who are pregnant or have children, and are experiencing hardships, to reduce the risk of child protection involvement. Read more here.
New strategy for children and young people in residential care. PeakCare, will receive nearly $3.3 million to improve residential care services and outcomes for children and young people in care.Find out more.
New release on alcohol and other drugs treatment services The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released its annual report on alcohol and other drugs treatment services. The four most common drugs that led clients to seek treatment were alcohol (43%), amphetamines (24%), cannabis (17%) and heroin (4.5%). Get the latest data.
Apply now! Grants of up to $75,000 are available as part of the 2024-25 Community-based Crime Action grants program to support initiatives that reduce youth crime and enhance community safety. Apply here.
Trans and gender diverse amendments take effect Changes to Queensland's Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2023 have taken effect. Under these laws, trans and gender diverse people are no longer required to undergo gender-affirming surgery to formally register a change of sex, and a change of name can be made simultaneously. The changes also provide stronger recognition for same-sex and gender diverse parents. 🏳️🌈
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