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In this edition:
- The Government Announces a New Approach to Digital Mental Health
- Introducing Momentum: A New Youth Digital Mental Health Platform
- Children’s Mental Health Week
- Live Webinars from eMHIC
- Live Webinars from Black Dog Institute
- See the eMHPrac team at these upcoming conferences
- Read the latest dMH research articles
- This month’s featured service: Mental Health Online
Government Announces a Fresh Approach to Digital Mental Health
Health Minister Mark Butler announced a national plan to help people access digital mental health services, and ensure services meet the National Safety and Quality Standards by July 2025. The initiative, developed by a sector-led consortium, aims to reduce system fragmentation and improve service collaboration. The government has allocated $43.9 million to extend digital mental health services until June 2025 and provided a significant $456.7 million boost to crisis support services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, 13YARN, and Kids Helpline. This commitment reflects an ongoing effort to ensure accessible and efficient mental health care across Australia.
Coming Soon – Momentum: A New Digital Mental Health Platform for Young People
Momentum, a new digital mental health platform for children and adolescents, is set to launch in the upcoming year. Spearheaded by Professor Sonja March at the University of Southern Queensland and supported by a $5 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund, Momentum aims to tackle the increasing mental health issues among young people. The platform, created with extensive contributions from young participants, parents, and mental health experts, is tailored to assist with challenges such as anxiety and depression. The co-design process has been documented in a recently published journal article.
Exploring Digital Services this Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week (February 7-13) marks a time to support and raise awareness for the emotional and mental well-being of our young ones. In an era where digital fluency is the norm, online mental health services have become increasingly popular and accessible for children. Key among these are Kids Helpline and The BRAVE Program, both offering tailored support online for children and youth. Our factsheet Digital Mental Health for Young People offers an overview of the digital services out there.
Live webinar from eMHIC
“Innovative Mental Health Initiatives That Enable Workplaces To Thrive”
When: Online, 28 Feb 9:00am – 10:00am AEDT
In this webinar, experts from Superfriend (Australia), the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and Chnnl (New Zealand), will present a timely overview of workplace mental health and wellbeing. They will provide a holistic overview of their local landscape of workplace mental health and wellbeing and explore the latest frameworks, research, and digital tools being used in their jurisdictions to deal with issues such as psychological distress, fluctuating productivity levels and burnout.
The eMHPac Team have also explored the use of Digital Mental Health Tools in the workplace in a recent blog post.
Live webinars from Black Dog Institute
“Supporting Families when Dementia Comes Knocking”
When: Online, 27 Feb 12:30pm AEDT and 27 Feb 6pm AEDT
RACGP CPD Approved Activity – 1 CPD hour – Educational Activities
Many people experience difficulties when a family member, friend or someone under their care is diagnosed with dementia. Heath professionals are increasingly being asked what community members can do to assist a person maintain their dignity and a good quality of life after a diagnosis of dementia.
In this webinar we will discuss these issues with Dr Hilton Koppe, GP Educator at Dementia Training Australia and facilitator of the award-winning Australian podcast “Dementia in Practice”.
“Recognising and Enhancing Positive Emotion”
When: Online, 5 Mar 12:30pm AEDT and 5 Mar 6pm AEDT
RACGP CPD Approved Activity – 1 CPD hour – Educational Activities
As health practitioners we are trained to focus on the negative. But many of the people we talk to could benefit from exploring positive emotional as well. In addition to learning how to restructure and manage unpleasant emotions, we can also explore the ways they are generating positive emotions. Together we can explore what they are doing well, what skills and concepts they can tap into to enhance these, and – most importantly – how that positive emotion feels to them.
New Year Resolutions, New Year Intentions, New Year Goals
Whatever you choose to call it, the fresh start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the year that’s been, look at what we would like to do differently or better this year, the areas we recognise that could do with some more attention to strengthen and how we would like to focus our energy for the year ahead.
The WellMob team have pulled together some of our favourite online resources from the WellMob website that we use for our own new year goal setting and self-care, which can also be used in your work with Indigenous clients for goal setting and co-producing case plans.
Catch us at these upcoming conferences
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference
18-20 March 2024, Gold Coast, QLD
Presentation and Trade exhibit
Creating advanced mental health outcomes for all children and adolescents.
See eMHPrac’s Directory Heidi Sturk present on “Expanding Digital Options for Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention” and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade booth.
Australian Association of Psychologists Inaugural Conference
20-22 March 2024, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD
Presentation and Trade exhibit
Together in unity we are stronger.
See eMHPrac’s Directory Heidi Sturk present and visit the eMHPrac team at their trade booth.
The National Suicide Prevention Conference
30 April – 2 May 2024, Adelaide Convention Centre, SA
Trade exhibit
Collective. Courage. Accelerate. Impact.
Visit the eMHPrac team at their trade booth.
On our reading radar…
Looi, J. C., Allison, S., & Bastiampillai, T. (2023). Remaining on course, online: Reflections and recommendations on more effective psychiatrist participation in online chat forums in the context of social media dynamics. Australasian Psychiatry, 10398562231186244. Doi: 10.1177/10398562231186244
Wang, Q., Zhang, W., & An, S. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of Internet-based self-help interventions for mental health among adolescents and college students. Internet Interventions, 100690. Doi: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100690
Wright, P. J., Raynor, P. A., Bowers, D., Combs, E. M., Corbett, C. F., Hardy, H., & Patel, K. (2023). Leveraging digital technology for social connectedness among adults with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Digital Health, 9, 20552076231204746. Doi: 10.1177/20552076231204746
This edition’s featured service… Mental Health Online
About Mental Health Online
Mental Health Online is an internet-based treatment clinic for people with mental health difficulties. They offer a range of expert programs, information and resources to help individuals manage their own mental wellbeing.
Mental Health Online’s online programs and information cover a range of issues including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and stress/wellbeing. Programs include assessment, feedback, and optional therapist support.
Read out blog delving into Mental Health Online’s new website update here.
About the author
