Inquiry into Men’s Suicide Rates One of the ways MHCV advocates for mental health carers is by contributing to parliamentary inquiries. These inquiries allow community voices to inform government decision-making and shape future policy, legislation and funding. We provided a written submission into the ACT Legislative Assembly's Inquiry into Men's Suicide Rates and were then invited to appear before the Committee in November to provide evidence. We know that carers multiple risk factors of suicide, including high levels of distress, poorer physical health, financial strain and social isolation, often as a result of their caring responsibilities. We wanted to make sure that these issues and these experiences were heard and not left out of the conversation.
Our advocacy focused on: - Better recognition of carers, including a Carers Recognition Card.
- Update the Mental Health Act so the legislation better recognises and includes carers
- Increased respite and support for mental health carers.
The Committee's report came out in June and included several positive outcomes for carers. It recommended extending the Carers Recognition Card to mental health carers, recognised carers as a priority group for targeted support, acknowledged the importance of involving carers in discharge planning and aftercare, and highlighted the ongoing challenges carers face in accessing respite. Mental health carers' experiences were also referenced multiple times throughout the report, reinforcing the evidence base for future advocacy.
While we are still awaiting the ACT Government's response to the recommendations, this represents meaningful progress. Reports like this place your experiences on the public record and provide a strong foundation for continued advocacy to improve recognition, inclusion and support for mental health carers. You can read the report here: Report 5 - SP - Inquiry into men's suicide rates Supporting Carer Recognition in Mental Health Services Over the past financial year, the Mental Health Consumer and Carer Voice (MHCV) provided feedback on 34 Canberra Health Services (CHS) Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) documents, helping to ensure that carers' perspectives and recognition are embedded in policies and procedures.
MHCV has been partnering with MHJHADS by reviewing and providing detailed feedback on a wide range of documents. These contributions play an important role in strengthening governance, improving clarity and communication, and supporting informed decision-making across services. By advocating for carer inclusion and recognition throughout these foundational documents, MHCV is helping to create a more responsive and carer-inclusive mental health system. Mental Health Carers Australia Paid Participation Register Mental Health Carers Australia (MHCA) is inviting family members, carers and kin to join its Paid Participation Register and contribute to national mental health reform initiatives.
If you have experience supporting a loved one with mental ill health, your insights can help inform policy, improve services and strengthen outcomes for carers, families and kin nationwide.
By joining the register, you'll be considered for paid opportunities that match your experience and interests, ensuring lived experience perspectives are represented where decisions are made.
To get started, sign up as 'Family, Carer, Kin' through the MHCA website and complete the registration process, including the Lived Experience Expertise section.
Current opportunities open to registered participants include: Registration through the Paid Participation Register is required before applying for these opportunities.
We encourage you to get involved and help create meaningful change for mental health carers, families and kin across Australia.
Mental Health Carer Support GroupsAre you supporting a family member, partner, friend, or loved one living with mental health challenges? Mental health carers play an important role in providing emotional, practical, and ongoing support — often while balancing their own wellbeing, responsibilities, and daily life.
Carers ACT Mental Health Carer Support Groups offer a safe and supportive space to connect with others who understand these experiences. Facilitated by a counsellor, the groups provide opportunities for peer connection, shared understanding, and support.
Group Details
Northside Support Group Dates: Second Tuesday each month Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm Location: Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent Holt
Southside Support Group Dates: Third Monday of each month Times: 6:00pm to 8:00pm Location: Communities at Work, 245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway
How to Access
Before attending, please ensure you are: - registered with Carers ACT (you can register here: Carer Registration Form)
- registered for the session prior to attending
- providing care to someone living with mental health challenges
To join the groups, please email carer.support@carersact.org.au Mental Health Carers Voice - Care Navigator The mental health system can feel hard to navigate, especially when you are supporting someone you care about. The MHCV Navigator website is a practical resource hub designed to help mental health carers find the information they need, when they need them about the ACT Mental Health System. Built with carers in mind, the Navigator brings helpful information together in one place, so carers can focus on supporting their loved ones while also looking after their own wellbeing.
Visit the Carer Navigator: https://navigator.mhcv.org.au/ Everymind Launches the Minds Together Program Everymind has launched the Minds Together program, designed specifically for family, friends, and carers of individuals experiencing suicidal distress or recovering from a suicide attempt.
Through small, in-person group sessions led by trained facilitators, carers can share experiences and gain insights from others who understand their journey.
This program offers practical strategies, personal stories, and evidence-based tools to help carers manage stress, improve communication, and strengthen their coping skills.
If you’re interested in attending a session, please reach out to Everymind:
Email: mindstogether@health.nsw.gov.au
To learn more about Everymind's Minds Together program, click this link: https://mindstogether.org.au/supporting-someone-in-the-act |
