From the CEO
Hello everyone.
Did you know that World Suicide Prevention Day is coming up on Tuesday 10 September? It's a global day where we all join forces to reduce stigma, push for better policies and remember those who have been affected by suicide. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide, and that's why the theme this year is "Working Together to Prevent Suicide". One way you can get involved is by taking part in R U OK? Day on Thursday September 12. I hope you'll ask yourself and those around you R U OK? because a simple chat could make a big difference.
Last month, One Door Mental Health was included in the Corporate Rebels worldwide self-managed organisation database. Corporate Rebels is a platform dedicated to exploring and sharing the most innovative and forward-thinking approaches to work. They build upon the research and experience of progressive organisations in order to show traditional organisations that there are other ways of working. Our Recovery 2gether way is key to the culture and our ways of working at One Door, and I am deeply heartened for One Door to be acknowledged by the Corporate Rebels.
Our own Patrick Kerlin, CFO at One Door, was a guest on the Books To The Boardroom podcast. He shared his personal and professional experiences, transitioning from chartered accounting to the not-for-profit sector. He specifically highlighted Recovery 2gether and his commitment to helping and supporting people in meeting their needs, without unnecessary supervision and management.
One Door joined Mental Health Australia and 78 industry leading organisations to sign a joint Statement of Priorities, shared at the 16 August for the Health and Mental Health Ministers meeting. This Statement called for Australian, State and Territory Governments to come together to address the gap in mental health services between primary care, acute care and emergency services. We are encouraged that the Government released the National Analysis of Unmet Need for Psychosocial Support outside the NDIS which highlighted the large number of people with complex mental health challenges requiring support, and recommended to National Cabinet a co-funding agreement to fully address unmet need for psychosocial support. We look forward to supporting the governments in their responses to this report.
We look forward to continuing this collaboration and call on all levels of government to prioritise these essential steps to improve mental health services for the people we support. You can read the Statement of Priorities here.
Early Birds tickets for the Wellness Walk end soon! Register now and join our community of walkers in Newcastle on Saturday 12 October, and Sydney on Sunday 13 October to raise awareness about people living with mental health challenges – wellnesswalk.org.au.
Last week was Wear it Purple Day. This important day is a vital opportunity to show LGBTQIA+ young people that they are loved, respected and important. This year’s theme was "Your Passion, Your Pride" celebrated and encouraged LGBTQIA+ people to share their passions, dreams and successes in sport, art, science and so much more. This year, the CPS Connector Hub team in South Western Sydney held a wonderful at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
Primary Integrated Care Supports (PICS) is hosting an art exhibition celebrating International Mental Health Awareness Month, titled “Anxiety.” This exhibition will feature pieces created by participants and staff from the program’s art group throughout 2024. The exhibition, held at 107 Projects in Redfern, will be opened on Wednesday 23 October by Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore. Tickets to this free event are available now, and I hope to see you there. Register here.
Finally, The Hunter New England Family and Carers Mental Health Project (FCMHP) Team will be catching up on 24-25 September in Taree. This two-day event is a wonderful opportunity for the team to meaningfully connect with each other in person, and I am looking forward to popping my head in to say hello on Day 2.
Until next month …