The Rural Mental Health Conference is a national event hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association, gathering minds from across the rural mental health landscape, from allied and mental health workers to peer workers and lived experienced presenters. Speakers will tackle sensitive issues like addressing substance use, violence and family dynamics in rural mental health, while also highlighting innovative pathways to inclusive and accessible mental health support and peer support models.

This years theme is ‘Rural Mental Health for the Future: Innovations, Collaboration, and Inclusive Approaches’. Speakers will explore topics like:

• Holistic and integrative approaches to mental health prevention in rural populations
• Youth mental health in rural and regional communities
•  Ageing and mental health in rural communities
• Peer support models
• Disaster preparedness and response: Building resilience and addressing outcomes
• Addressing substance use, violence and family dynamics in rural mental health
• Innovative pathways to inclusive and accessible mental health support in rural communities
• Strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing in rural and remote communities
• Workforce and wellbeing in rural areas
• Supporting carers in rural communities

Catch a presentation by eMHPrac Director Heidi Sturk on “From Access to Agency: Building Digital Mental Health Literacy in Rural Communities”, or visit the eMHPrac team at our trade booth.