News and Activities
NSW CAG wants to ask your opinion about MH-CoPES (Mental Health - Consumer Perceptions and Experiences of Services).
MH-CoPES is about helping hospitals and other mental health services get feedback about what consumers think and assists them to make changes. The information comes from information that consumers put in the MH-CoPES questionnaire which is a confidential questionnaire that is given to them when they leave a service.
Currently the questionnaire is provided in NSW mental health services in English only but it is now the time to make the questionnaire work for everybody.
We would like to find out the opinions of consumers from Greek and Arabic speaking communities regarding MH-CoPES:
If you would be interested in participating in a group discussion or provide individual feedback please contact Hannah Gardner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 02 9332 0247. Group discussion will include lunch and drinks.
If you would like any more details on MH-CoPES, please see our webpage or call us: http://www.nswcag.org.au/page/mh_copes.html
Update - 2 February 2012
The Mental Health Association NSW has supported the ASU's Equal Pay campaign for many years and is thrilled to share the recent news of this historic win for social and community service workers!
In summary the Tribunal decision means that:
• The work of social and community service workers has been undervalued on the basis of gender.
• The rates of pay should be significantly increased
• The rates of pay should effectively be the same as the Queensland rates of pay
• The new rates should phase in over an 8 year period not a 6 year period
• The graduate entry points for 3 and 4 year graduates should be increased one pay point on the new Modern Award scale so that they are the same as the Queensland Award
For information on this historic campaign please read this summary of the desicion made by Fair Work Australia, or visit www.asumembers.org.au
Update - 1 February 2012
Under the Better Access scheme an additional six sessions of treatment will be allowed, 'under exceptional circumstances' for a transitional period from 1 March - 31 December 2012.
The standard number of rebatable sessions under Better Access will remain at 10 (6+4 sessions), but eligible clients can receive up to 16 sessions during the transitional period where ‘exceptional circumstances’ apply.
Download this factsheet about the new Better Access arrangements.
More information about the new Better Access arrangement.
Do you know, love or care for someone experiencing depression?
Partners in Depression is a FREE six week group program starting in February 2012. It aims to address the information and support needs of those who live with or love someone experiencing depression.
The program covers: - What is depression - Treatments for depression - Suicidality and self harm- How do you best support someone with depression- Communication strategies.
The program is run by health professionals and provides a forum in which to receive information and ask questions about depression and your support role, with others with similar experiences.
Date: 24 Feb - 30 March
Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Carer Assist Office, 438 Burwood Road, Belmore (Sydney)
To register: (02) 9750 9744 or download the flyer
Join the best and brightest minds in philosophy, science, psychology, spirituality and the arts in exploring these questions and more at Happiness & Its Causes 2012. This is the world’s leading conference examining the varied causes of a happy and meaningful life.
Be motivated and inspired by an extraordinary roll call of 40+ speakers from Australia and abroad! Keynotes include world-renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Sogyal Rinpoche; founder of positive psychology Dr Martin Seligman; acclaimed ethicist, philosopher and author, Peter Singer; pioneering researcher into successful ageing Ellen Langer; playwright and National Living Treasure, David Williamson and ground-breaking journalist, Ita Buttrose.
Members of the Mental Health Association recieve a 10% discount.
Increase your level of happiness and wellbeing in this program of enjoyable meditations. Malcolm draws on Buddhist traditions and his rich experience of teaching mediation in Australia and overseas. Meditation for Happiness runs as a 9 week course, fortnightly on Tuesdays.
Next course: 7 February, 2012
Time: 7:00pm - 8.30pm
Venue: North Sydney Community Centre, 150 Walker St, North Sydney
Price: $95
Bookings: (02) 9922 2299 or www.northsydneycentre.com.au
The Mental Health Asssociation NSW is a non-government organisation operating throughout NSW.
It is a registered charity and funded by NSW Healt as well as private donations from individuals, organisations and grants.
MHA welcomes new members at a range of membership levels (including free affiliate membership).
Individual membership ranges between $10 and $30 annually.
Organisation membership ranges between $54 and $160 annually.
Some of the benefits of membership include: monthly e-news, Mental Health Matters magazine quarterly, access to members only section of the website, 10 % per cent discount off all MHA publications, hire of MHA boardroom, 1 vote in MHA elections.
The Board of Management is elected annually from among the MHA members who includes, individuals, mental health professinoals, GPs, students corporate organisations and others.
To become a member and have a brochure posted to you:
Phone: (02) 9339 6000
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
