ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry into men’s suicide rates
MHCV will be among many organisations to give evidence at the ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry into men’s suicide rates in the ACT on Friday the 28th of November. The Committee is looking into why suicide rates are so high among men in the ACT, including how they use health services, risky behaviours, and social and emotional factors. It will also consider how to better support boys and men through improved access to mental health care, social opportunities, and emotional support. You can find out more information on the Inquiry here: Inquiry into men’s suicide rates - ACT Legislative Assembly. Please note that some content may include sensitive themes which may be distressing for some people.
Please note that some content may include sensitive themes which may be distressing for some people. ACT Health Directorate Mental Health Non-Government Organisation Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)
Carers ACT and MHCV welcome the release of the non-government mental health SIP as an important step toward a more connected, person-centred and carer-inclusive system informed by lived and living experience. Developed through extensive consultation and collaboration led by the Mental Health Commissioning Team at the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate and the three ACT mental health peak bodies, the SIP reflects a strong commitment to meaningful inclusion of lived and living experience from consumers, carers and service stakeholders. As active members of the Mental Health Commissioning Advisory Group, MHCV has ensured that carers’ voices were included throughout the process and we are pleased that this has been reflected in the final commissioning framework.
Consultation clearly highlighted a system that is fragmented and difficult to navigate, and MHCV is encouraged by growing recognition of the need to include carers in shaping the future system. The real test of the SIP will be whether it delivers tangible improvements in how carers are acknowledged, included and supported. MHCV remains committed to monitoring implementation and advocating to ensure that mental health carers receive the recognition they deserve. MHCV will also continue to strategically promote the implementation of the Carer Experience Survey (CES) as one of the key sources of data collection for the SIP, and mental health service inclusion of support services to mental health carers, families and kin.
You can read the final report here: Mental Health - Commission
2025 Health of the Nation Report
The 2025 Health of the Nation report shows that mental health remains the most common reason for a visit to a GP, a persistent trend since the first Health of the Nation survey was conducted in 2017. In 2025, 71% of GPs indicated “psychological issues” (as described in the survey) are a top issue for GP visits – an increase of 10% since the survey began. According to the report, anxiety and depression are the most common mental health challenges reported to GPs. National Mental Health Workforce Strategy
Mental Health Australia is pleased to be facilitating a Mental Health Workforce Sector Advisory Group and Advisory Network, to inform governments’ implementation of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. It is critical that workforce reform and investments are informed by the sector, and importantly, the needs and experiences of people living with mental health challenges, and their families, carers and kin. Productivity Commission Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement Review
The Productivity Commission has released its final review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement on 11th November 2025. The review found the current Agreement is not working as intended and called for a new, clearer framework to guide collective action and achieve real improvements in mental health and suicide prevention outcomes. Carers who contributed to the review shared that they often feel ignored or excluded by mental health services and many felt that they were caring for their person without support for themselves. We provided a submission into this review and have been quoted in the report.
You can read more here: Inquiry Report - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement Review | Productivity Commission Support for carers during the holiday season
The holiday period can bring added pressures for carers - whether you’re providing support to a loved one with a disability, mental-health concerns, ageing needs or chronic illness. Here are some supports available to help you navigate this season with greater ease, connection and self-care.
Carer Gateway - provides free support for carers, including counselling, coaching, respite, and practical assistance. Services are available in-person, by phone, or online. Call to check your eligibility and find out what support is available. Ph: 1800 422 737 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) W:
www.carergateway.gov.au
Lifeline - A 24/7 confidential crisis support service for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or needing immediate support Ph: 13 11 14 W: www.lifeline.org.au
Health Direct - A free health advice service to help you understand your options for after-hours care and direct you to the right support. Ph: 1800 022 222 W: www.healthdirect.gov.au
Access Mental Health Line - Available 24/7 For concerns about your own mental health or someone else’s, Access Mental Health can provide guidance and connection to appropriate services. Ph: 1800 629 354
Medicare Mental Health Phone Service - The phone service provides assessment and navigation to connect people to the right mental health services for them. This is a free service and does not require a referral.
Ph: 1800 595 212 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm) Be prepared for emergencies
As summer approaches, it’s worth taking a moment to think about how you’ll stay informed if an emergency happens – like a fire, storm or flood.
Knowing your ABCs can help you stay safe and connected when it matters most.
ACT Mental Health Consumer Network
My Rights, My Decisions is a free, hands-on workshop designed to help you plan ahead for your mental health care — in a way that feels safe, empowering, and practical.
Date: Wednesday 26 November
Time: 10.30am to 2pm
Location: Network Office, Griffin Centre ( 20 Genge Street, Canberra City)
Whether you’ve experienced mental health challenges or simply want to make sure your voice is heard during tough times, this workshop gives you the tools to: - Understand your rights under the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT)
- Learn how to choose a Nominated Person and create an Advance Agreement or Advance Consent Direction
- Get your own Form Kit, and learn how to complete and submit it so it’s legally valid
- Start reflecting on your values and preferences with guided activities
- Leave with a folder full of useful resources — including a workbook, fact sheets, a keyring and z-card
This isn’t just an information session — it’s a chance to take real steps toward protecting your rights and making sure your care reflects what matters most to you.
Click on the link for more information - https://actmhcn.civicrm.com.au/civicrm/event/info
 Mental Health Carers Australia
Upcoming Webinar: Rethinking Recovery - It's Not Just Personal, It's Relational with Associate Professor Marianne Wyder
Mental Health Carers Australia (MHCA) invites our community to explore Relational Recovery and Carer Response Zones, a framework that captures how families, kin, and supporters move through crises, adjustment, and re-engagement alongside their loved ones.
Click on the link to register and for more information: Rethinking Recovery
Support a national study on social media and the new restrictions
From December 10, 2025, Australia will become the first country in the world to restrict social media access for children under 16 - a significant change that is expected to have wide-ranging effects on young people and their families. National eating disorder carer organisation Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) in inviting ALL parents and carers to take part in their Social Media Survey. The survey will help shape understanding of how these changes affect young people’s mental health, connection, concentration, and family life - both now and after December 10.
Take the survey & share it with other parents and carers you know: https://edfa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhXSiLzW1PxLK9U
EDFA is preparing resources for parents to manage the transition to this new social media era, including a webinar where experts unpack what the new social media laws mean for families.
National Mental Health Consumer Alliance Human Rights Survey 2025
The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance has launched Australia’s only national Human Rights Survey designed by and for people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The Alliance is gathering lived evidence to hold systems accountable — tracking how well Australia upholds its human rights obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The survey is open: 3 November – 31 December 2025, is anonymous and will be analysed by the lived experience research group, ACACIA.The results will shape national advocacy to make sure human rights are real for all mental health consumers.
Take the Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AllianceHR2025 Consultation opportunities: NDIS practice standards reform | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The NDIS Commission is undertaking a review of the NDIS Practice Standards.
The NDIS Practice Standards Review aims to understand what changes are required to ensure workers and providers’ obligations are appropriate, focus on the right things, and are supported by good guidance that makes it clear how to deliver high-quality, safe and participant-centred supports. The NDIS Practice Standards Review will also seek feedback on whether developing a NDIS Quality Framework (Quality Framework) will support these objectives.
Public consultation opened Monday 20 October.
There are a range of ways to provide your feedback or participate. Click on the link for information on how to get involved: NDIS practice standards reform
Celebrating 50 years of mental health research
We attended the Centre for Mental Health Research’s 50th Anniversary on Friday 14th of November, acknowledging the significant contribution the centre has made to mental health research over the past five decades. We heard from Emeritus Professor Scott Henderson, the inaugural head of the centre in 1975, who shared his story and reflected on its early foundations and enduring legacy. This was followed by current researchers who highlighted the innovative projects that are shaping today’s evidence base, including creating the Mental Health First Aid training. It was an engaging and inspiring afternoon that reinforced the vital role of research in improving outcomes for people in our local and global community. Partnering with CAMHS to elevate carer experience
MHCV has partnered with Canberra Health Service’s Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to implement the Carer Experience Survey (CES) we have been busy providing in-service training across the teams. The CES is specifically designed for mental health carers and is an opportunity to provide feedback that will help mental health services improve their recognition and support of carers. CAMHS staff have been eager to engage with us and to rollout the CES across their service. Carers can complete the survey online by accessing the QR codes and entering the service code.
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