CENTRE FOR RURAL & REMOTE MENTAL HEALTH · • Professor David Perkins, Dr Hazel Dalton and Ms Tessa Caton gave feedback to Taskforce leads Ms Christine Morgan and Ms Jaelea Skehan

CENTRE FOR RURAL & REMOTE MENTAL HEALTHQuarterly ReportOctober – December 2019

About the CRRMH

The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) is based in Orange NSW and is a major rural initiative of the University of Newcastle and the NSW Ministry of Health. Our staff are located across rural and remote NSW.

The Centre is committed to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural and remote communities. We focus on the following key areas:

• the promotion of good mental health and the prevention of mental illness;

• developing the mental health system to better meet the needs of people living in rural and remote regions; and

• understanding and responding to rural suicide.

As the Australian Collaborating Centre for the International Foundation for Integrated Care, we promote patient-centred rather than provider-focused care that integrates mental and physical health concerns.

As part of the University of Newcastle, all of our activities are underpinned by research evidence and evaluated to ensure appropriateness and effectiveness.

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health

PO Box 8043Orange East NSW 2800T +61 2 6363 8444E [email protected]

crrmh.com.au @crrmh @crrmhnsw /company/crrmh

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Contents

Report PageDirector’s Report 4

Snapshot of the Quarter 5

Research 6

John Hoskin Library 7

Connections 8

Communications 10

Online Connections 12

Partnerships 14

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) 16

Staff News 18

Appendix 20

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Director’s ReportCentre Director Professor David Perkins

The extent of the drought and its impacts on individuals, families and communities became increasingly visible to non-rural Australians in late 2019. As conditions worsened, many government, charitable and concerned individuals began to offer help through changes in policy, offers of practical help and generous financial donations. This created a very complex situation in which stressed communities and provider agencies had to monitor and respond to new opportunities and resources which often had strings attached or appeared to favour one part of the rural community over another. While the attention was welcome, the workload for all rurally-based agencies increased and the requests for briefings about “on the ground” conditions and local needs were often overwhelming in their urgency. I am enormously proud of the way in which our staff responded and continue to do so under such pressure.

In conditions such as these, it is of great importance to communicate appropriately with rural and remote residents and to ensure that they have the best possible information about how to care for each other in drought and other adverse conditions. One approach to this has been to place paid advertisements in rurally-owned community newspapers so that information can be provided to communities and local businesses can be supported at the same time. These advertisements were paid for by a number of generous donors to who we are thankful. The impact of such direct communication is being measured as is the use of CRRMH video and podcast materials.

The response to such adversity and the development of rural services requires a long-term and consistent approach informed by the best available evidence. Single, short-term interventions are not likely to have long-term beneficial impacts. In the Orange Declaration, the CRRMH has attracted international attention working with international partners to identify the critical challenges and the most important areas from attention. You can follow developments here but it suffices to say that the Declaration has attracted the attention of the International Initiative in Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) and the World Health Organisation amongst others. Launches of the Declaration followed in Washington (September) and Adelaide (October) and the CRRMH is leading international developments in rural mental health and wellbeing.

I cannot conclude without mentioning the unprecedented bushfires which have shaken the nation, particularly in NSW and Victoria. The losses have been extraordinary and community recovery will take many years. Our RAMHP staff are at the centre of rural communities where they live and work. In some cases their own homes and families have been threatened. They will be at the centre of the community recovery process and there will be ongoing impacts from the full range of rural adversity in the years to come. Their leadership and collaborative skills have once again proved to be outstanding and I am full of admiration. The wisdom and good sense of the staff who support them in Orange has ensured that information and resources are available when and where they are needed.

2020 is the year in which our core contract with NSW Health is to be renegotiated and I close by commenting that the need for the CRRMH is stronger than ever.

With best wishes for a happy and safe new year.

Professor David Perkins

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Snapshot of the Quarter

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Research John Hoskin Library Connections Communications Online Connections

Partnerships RAMHP Staff News Staff News

Research Associate Dr Joanne Lawrence-Bournewelcomed to the research team

806 people linked to care106 training courses delivered to 3,005participants203 community events attended

Bushfire support webpage created on website for fire-affected individuals and communities

CRRMH chosen as rural partner of Everymind’s Ahead for Business project

8th edition of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health launched on 3 October

CRRMH awarded the Mental Health Foundation Australia 2019 Organisation of the Year Award

New online LibGuidecreated for users of the library

New paper on social determinants of wellbeing in children published using ARMHS data

ResearchCompiled by Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

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For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5

1 new paper published 4 conference presentations

Held in Melbourne 11-13 November, the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Integrated Care attracted over 400 delegates. Professor David Perkins, Dr Hazel Dalton and Lucy McEvoy were on the conference organising and scientific committees. Visiting Research Fellow, Professor Nelly Oelke presented at the conference. Our research collaborators presented on the Family Referral Service in Schools Program and a rural community-led approach to integrated care.

14 years on, The Australian Rural Mental Health Study (ARMHS) has produced yet another published paper. The study commenced in 2006 and the recruited cohort was followed for 5 years. Social determinants of psychological wellness for children and adolescents in rural NSW was published in BMC Public Health on 2 December.

The Virtual Dementia Friendly Rural Communities project concluded in November. The chief investigators in the project, including Professor David Perkins, will be authoring reports and publications in 2020.

John Hoskin LibraryCompiled by Centre Librarian Paul Stanfield

Library Updates

• Short ready reference inquiries proved to be lower for this quarter – down from 251 to 192. The reference inquires for patients mainly concerned logging onto computers. Visitor numbers were not included.

• Interlibrary loan requests- GRATIS were slightly higher overall from 42 to 48.

• Requests supplied to the CRRMH library were down from 145 to 46 for this period. The number of requests supplied to Western LHD was down slightly from 198 to 184.

• Loans were down from 93 to 48. See table for other library activity this quarter.

• Assistance to CRRMH researchers and WNSW LHD staff was provided through literature searches, lean library training and setting up ORCID iDs.

• A new CRRMH Library LibGuide has been created in conjunction with UON. The webpage helps users access resources, databases and subject guides relating to rural mental health and suicide prevention.

Connections with UON

• Librarian Paul Stanfield continues to meet regularly with UON Senior Research Librarian Debbie Booth. Debbie is consulting with the CRRMH library on weeding techniques for the library’s current collection.

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LibraryActivity

Total

Short reference 192

Interlibrary loan requests –GRATIS

48

Interlibrary loan requests - UON

7

Interlibrary loans incomplete

4

Requests supplied from CRRMH library

249

Requests supplied external to CRRMH library

21

Loans 48

ConnectionsCompiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Awards

• A highlight of this quarter for the CRRMH was being awarded the Mental Health Foundation Australia 2019 Organisation of the Year Award for our creative and innovative approaches to mental health challenges. Director Professor David Perkins and Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney were on hand to receive the prestigious award from The Hon. Alan Tudge MP. The event was a very multicultural affair with entertainment by Bollywood and Chinese dance groups, and the Foundation's Ambassadors representing a variety of cultures there to support the launch.

• The CRRMH were also a finalist in the University of Newcastle Excellence Awards which were presented in Newcastle on 10 December. While we didn’t take out the Community Engagement Award, it was very rewarding to see our important work in engaging with rural and remote communities during the drought recognised at the university level.

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Global perspectives in healthcare workshop

In November, Professor David Perkins attended a Department of Health and Human Services Victoria workshop in Melbourne on ‘Global perspectives in health care – improving outcomes and sustainability through systems transformation.’ Professor Perkins was amongst senior leaders from the Department and health service, tackling local implications for the sector.

The Hon. Alan Tudge MP (left), with Professor David Perkins and

Vanessa Delaney

Connections cont.Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

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Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium

CRRMH and RAMHP teams were well represented at this year’s Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association's Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium held in Adelaide from 28-30 October. The Symposium is an annual event and this year featured three days of informative talks, plenary sessions, workshops and networking.

Director Professor David Perkins kicked off the event by addressing the delegates about the Orange Declaration, which has been published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health and identifies ten solutions for action to improve mental health outcomes.

RAMHP Coordinators Camilla Herbig and Kate Arndell also presented –Camilla about the successful Baggy Blues program and Kate about drought relief workers.

The Symposium was also a great opportunity to come together with other representatives from the mental health sector to showcase our work and share our knowledge and experience in rural and remote mental health.

(L-R) Kate Arndell, Professor David Perkins, Tessa Caton, Vanessa Delaney, Associate Professor Nelly Oelke, Dr Hazel

Dalton, Camilla Herbig

Connections cont.Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

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Suicide Prevention – NSW and Australian government strategic initiatives:The CRRMH has been invited and involved in informing both state and Federal suicide prevention strategies and implementation plans.

NSW Ministry of Health’s Towards Zero Suicides initiative: • Dr Hazel Dalton participated in the Towards Zero Suicides Premier's Priority

Delivery Plan Workshop (September 2019) – this forum enabled cross-sectoral planning.

• Dr Scott Fitzpatrick attended the NSW Suicide Prevention Data Forum. The forum provided updates on the development of the NSW Suicide Prevention Register.

National Suicide Prevention Taskforce:• Professor David Perkins, Dr Hazel Dalton and Ms Tessa Caton gave feedback to

Taskforce leads Ms Christine Morgan and Ms Jaelea Skehan at a special rural and remote session of the 2019 Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium in Adelaide in October 2019. This was followed up with a submission to the taskforce entitled: Population and strengths-based collaborative approaches to community wellbeing as a vehicle for suicide prevention.

• Dr Scott Fitzpatrick attended the Towards Zero Suicide Prevention Forum: Opportunities for a Coordinated Response in Canberra in November 2019. This workshop enabled the Taskforce to identify key areas for immediate action to be tabled in the annual report.

The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, NSW Minister for Mental Health

CommunicationsCompiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston

Projects

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Mental Health Month: CRRMH and RAMHP promoted Mental Health Month throughout October by sharing our stories and resources. The awareness month encouraged people to think about their mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether they may have a lived experience of mental illness or not. Mental Health Month gives the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives and the need to encourage help-seeking behaviours when needed.

You Got This Mate website:During November the dedicated men’s mental health was completed. You Got This Mateprovides action-focused tips and information to help rural men reach their best possible mental health. Designed in close consultation with RAMHP’s Rural Men’s Resource Advisory Group, the website is visually appealing to men, easy to navigate and comprises appropriate content, language and tone suitable to a rural male audience. Information presented on the website is evidence-based, developed with the research team. User testing and small changes are currently being completed and an official launch is being planned for March 2020.

How Are You Going? poster: Our How Are You Going? poster continued to be a sought after resource this quarter. Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland adapted the poster for their local community to show how locals can reach out to them for support. Almost 75,000 copies of the poster were also inserted into community-owned newspapers throughout regional NSW, with editorial content focusing on self-care after natural disasters. An additional 12,000 copies were inserted into the 2019 issue of the Country Web newsletter, produced by the NSW Rural Women’s Network. This year's edition celebrated rural women turning their passions into professions.

Lived Experience videos: Two of RAMHP’s five lived experience videos have been completed and are now live on the CRRMH YouTube channel. The videos aim to normalise help-seeking and reduce the stigma of mental illness. The videos feature Kaiden Powell and Andrew House’s journeys to recovery and how they continue to maintain good mental health. These videos will be promoted across social media and will also be used by RAMHP Coordinators in their mental health training sessions.

Communications cont.Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston

Projects cont.

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Men’s advisory group: The final Men’s resource advisory group was held on 13 November, where the RAMHP project team provided the group with a sneak peek of the new You Got This Mate website. The website was developed in close consultation with the group, and language, tone and content of the site was directed by feedback provided during the regular meetings.

Media

Media coverage was positive and widespread during the quarter. Topics included drought events; the Glove Box Guide launch; tips on decision making, stress, and mental health care following a bushfire; and research on Community Wellbeing. A media release on supporting rural communities leading up to was printed in over 83 newspapers across NSW and led to three radio interviews on the topic.

This quarter the following media releases were distributed:3 October: Award-winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health launches 9 October: Community wellbeing approach delivers positive results28 November: Taking care of your mental health following a bushfire 9 December: 10 ways to support rural communities leading up to Christmas

The Yass Tribune monthly column developed for Southern Local Health District RAMHP Coordinator Judy Carmody was also shared with the Goulburn Post and Crookwell Gazette. The column was published in October, November and December.

Glove Box Guide launch: The 8th edition of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health was launched on 3 October with a number of local organisations and service providers attending. The evening launch was a hit as attendees enjoyed local food, wine and music.

For a full list of media activity see Appendix 6

Online ConnectionsCompiled by Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton

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Website Analytics 1 October – 31 December 2019CRRMH RAMHP

8,099 website sessions (+6%) 5,155 website sessions (+8%)

Top 5 pages1. Homepage – 3,190 views2. Downloadable Resources – 976 views3. Programs & Projects RAMHP – 632 views4. About us Overview – 406 views5. Research ARMHS – 394 views

Top 5 pages1. Homepage – 3,157 views2. Downloadable Resources – 879 views3. Find a Coordinator – 751 views4. About us – 519 views5. About us Meet the team – 514 views

New website additions

4 October: Orange Community Launches Award-Winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health 130 views10 October: Community Wellbeing Approach Delivers Positive Results 215 views18 October: Prestigious Award Win for CRRMH 89 views31 October: Building Wellbeing – How One Community Claimed its Story 123 views27 November: Launch of You Got This Mate 149 views16 December: Bushfire support homepage 204 views

Bushfire support homepageIn December, a new homepage for resources, information and support for those affected by bushfires was created.The homepage provides self-care information, self-help resources and links to mental health help services. It also includes research publications on adversity and resilience in times of natural disaster.

Online Connections cont.Compiled by Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton

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Social Media Analytics 1 October – 31 December 2019Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

CRRMH 935 followers (+4%)36 tweets posted240 post engagements (-39%)

2,753 page likes (+10%)76 posts14,017 post engagements (+0%)

56 followers (+37%)13 posts125 post engagements (+81%)

-

RAMHP 540 followers (+6%)35 tweets posted433 post engagements (+36%)

2,316 page likes (+22%)113 posts18,706 post engagements (+37%)

45 followers (+36%)5 posts48 post engagements (+0%)

372 followers (+32%)25 posts629 post engagements (+0%)

Social media promotions

Glove Box Guide to Mental Health: The launch of Volume 8 of the Glove Box Guide was promoted through CRRMH and RAMHP social media channels.

Mental Health Month: Mental Health Month was celebrated in October. Throughout the month key print resources, podcast episodes and excerpts from the Glove Box Guide were shared.

CRRMH Conversations e-newsletter

E-newsletters continue to be sent to subscribers with the following results:

October: Marking Mental Health Month Open rate- 62% Click rate-16%

November/ December: Merry Christmas from the CRRMH Open rate 38% Click rate 6.7%

Orange Declaration e-newsletterThe first email update was sent to 50 endorsers of the Orange Declaration in early December.

Open rate 52% Click rate 16%

PartnershipsCompiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

Industry partnerships

Being Here Films: The Common Thread documentary was launched on 6 October on ABC free-to-air television. The six-part series was sponsored by the CRRMH and saw director Darius Devas travel across the nation to meet young Australians from all walks of life, who open up about their mental ill-health and share the tools and tactics that have supported their recovery. The documentary has had over one million online views and almost 5,000 shares.

Ahead for Business: CRRMH will be Everymind’s rural partner in a $3.1 million project, Ahead for Business, to support the mental health of people who own or work in small business. Dr Kristina Gottschall will be the Project Lead, conducting research in the rural sites for the CRRMH in partnership with Everymind.

Department of Primary Industries – NSW Rural Women’s Network: RAMHP strengthened its partnership with the NSW Rural Women’s Network by inserting 12,000 copies of the How Are You Going? poster into the 2019 issue of the Country Web Newsletter. Information on how to contact local RAMHP Coordinators was also included. This will ensure continued awareness of local mental health support across the rural NSW.

RAMHP and Baggy Blues Rural Mental Health Tour 2020: In November the NSW Government launched the NSW Mental Health & Drought Sports Fund. RAMHP and the NSW Cricket Alumni group, the Baggy Blues received funds to roll out the 2nd annual Rural Mental Health Cricket Tour in 2020. Expected locations for these tours include:

- Inverell (est. Jan)- Tamworth (est. Feb)- Cootamundra (est. Mar)- Kempsey (est. Apr)- Lithgow (est. Sep)- Wentworth (est. Oct)

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Partnerships cont.Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

Academic partnerships

University of British Columbia: During the quarter, the CRRMH enjoyed the opportunity to welcome and host Associate Professor Nelly Oelke for several months. Nelly is a health services researcher with the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. Her research has focussed on identifying interventions specifically targeted to rural communities experiencing natural disasters. During her secondment, Nelly was very generous in sharing her insights and knowledge with our staff and will also take back her learnings to Canada. We are looking forward to continuing this partnership. Nelly shares her experience and research from her time with us in her blog titled 'Nelly in Orange, Australia’ on the UBC website.

University of South Australia: The CRRMH has been working alongside the University of South Australia, rural-based Suicide Prevention Networks and other organisations to design community-based strategies for men in farming occupations in the Riverina region of NSW. To ensure these strategies are driven and supported by local communities, the research included a survey entitled “Lend your voice to suicide prevention research”, targeted to men in farming occupations across the Riverina willing to talk about their experiences of distress or poor mental health. Dr Scott Fitzpatrick will undertake interviews with participants in early 2020.

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Community partnerships

Act-Belong-Commit – Orange parkrun: Staff attended Orange parkrun’s third anniversary on 26 October, along with almost 200 keen runners. It was a good opportunity to hand out our latest edition of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health and to mark the end of Mental Health Month, promoting the messages of Act-Belong-Commit for mental health and wellbeing.

Professor David Perkins with Associate Professor Nelly Oelke

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)Compiled by RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton

Train, Link and Inform1 October– 31 December 2019

806 people linked to care

106 training courses delivered to 3, 005 participants

203 community events attended

Program Updates

• A 35% increase in the number of people were linked to care occurred between October – December 2019. This is largely due to the RAMHP response to the bushfires across the Mid North Coast, Hunter New England and North Coast areas of NSW.

• Compounding adversity remains a common issue across NSW with RAMHP Coordinators assisting both drought and bushfire affected communities .

• RAMHP Coordinators on the North and Mid North Coast worked with Local Health Districtmanagement and the Office of Emergency Management to plan longer term disaster recovery projects .

• A number of major resources were launched by the RAMHP Team including:• 8th Edition of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health;• You Got This Mate Website; and• Lived experience videos.

• The NSW Government also launched the Mental Health & Drought Sports Fund. This fund will be supporting the 2020 Rural Mental Health Cricket Tour, organised by RAMHP and the Baggy Blues.

• RAMHP Coordinator, Orry Berry attended the UNICEF Youth Drought Summit, supporting the young Indigenous attendees.

• A number of State-wide mental health literacy training projects continued, including:• Completion of Water NSW rollout• Essential Energy• Department of Industry, Planning & Environment.

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Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) cont.Compiled by RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton

Program Update

• RAMHP Coordinators Camilla Herbig, Kate Arndell and Kylie Atkinson presented at the Australian Rural & Remote Symposium in Adelaide.

• Animal welfare remains a strong priority across the state, with the drought causing severe water shortages. RAMHP Coordinators received a presentation from DPI’s Animal Welfare group.

People Update

• Interviews were conducted to establish a RAMHP Coordinator position in Armidale. Results of recruitment will be known in early 2020.

• Approval was obtained to establish an additional RAMHP Coordinator position in the Far West LHD. Recruitment will commence in early 2020.

• Unfortunately, Project Officer Elise Taylor and RAMHP Coordinator Sarah Green left us in November and December. We wish them all the best in their next chapter.

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Staff NewsCompiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Hellos and Goodbyes

• In October we said a fond farewell to Executive Officer, Greg Shapter. Greg worked with the CRRMH for over six years and saw us through many achievements and challenges, always with a calm and gentle demeanour. We thank Greg for his strong leadership and commitment to the CRRMH and wish him all the best in his retirement.

• In October we welcomed Research Associate, Dr Joanne Lawrence-Bourne. Joanne has a PhD in psychology and a keen interest in rural mental health.

• We farewelled Professor Nelly Oelke in November as she finished a two-month Research Fellowship from the University of British Columbia.

• In November, we farewelled Tamworth-based RAMHP Coordinator, Sarah Green. Sarah was a well respected and valued member of the RAMHP team for 8 years. We wish Sarah all the best in her next chapter.

• At the end of the year, RAMHP Training Officer, Elise Taylor also left the CRRMH to join headspace in Goulburn. Elise was an integral member of the RAMHP team for 18 months and her passion and enthusiasm will be missed.

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Greg Shapter

Dr Joanne Lawrence-Bourne

Staff News cont.Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Training

• In early December, 15 CRRMH staff undertook a 2-day project management course. The course taught the fundamentals of project management, which is a key part of the work many of us do right across the organisation in planning and managing the various projects we deliver.

• In October and November, Professor Nelly Oelke from the University of British Columbia presented a number of informative sessions to Research and RAMHP staff. This included a session on patient-oriented research, knowledge translation (tapping into our very own forms of knowledge translation, such as the GBG, podcasts, social media etc.) and the Photovoice project in rural Canada where people aged over 50 years used photos to capture aspects of their environment and experiences.

• As part of his PhD, student Sophun Much completed further study in bio-statistics in December, exploring more complex methods of analyses commonly used in epidemiological research. Sophun achieved a high distinction for his efforts in this course!

• Research Fellow, Dr Tonelle Handley attended an intensive 3-day training course with the Sax Institute in November on how to build relationships with policy-makers in research.

• Several RAMHP, Research and Communications staff attended the “Analysing Social Media for Better Public Policy” Symposium at Charles Sturt University in November. The symposium aimed to advance understanding of ways that public authorities can improve their decision-making and policy by closely analysing social media.

• Congratulations to Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney on successfully completing the LH Martin Institute’s Emerging Leaders and Managers Program (eLAMP) through the University of Newcastle, a year-long program.

• Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton completed an online graphic design course which will assist in the design and production of many of our resources.

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Rosie Dunnett and TessaCaton, with Australian Institute of Management trainer Anita

Ayre

Appendix 1: Research• Held in Melbourne 11-13 November, the 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Integrated Care attracted over 400 delegates. Prof David Perkins,

Dr Hazel Dalton and Lucy McEvoy were on the conference organising and scientific committees. Visiting Research Fellow, Professor Nelly Oelke presented at the conference. Our research collaborators presented on the Family Referral Service in Schools Program and a rural community-led approach to integrated care.

• Dr Fitzpatrick was invited to speak at the Primary Health Network's Fifth Stepped Care Workshop in Canberra on 12 November where he spoke on the challenges and opportunities of planning and designing mental health, drug and alcohol, and suicide prevention services in regional and remote communities. The workshop provided an overview of Commonwealth initiatives, suicide prevention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, and the consultation and workshop activities of PHN staff.

• See Connections section for details of workshops and forums the research team have been involved with for both NSW and Commonwealth government initiatives in suicide prevention.

• PhD student Sophun Moch presented results from the descriptive study of suicide deaths in Tasmanian inner regional and outer regional areas from 2010-2016 at the 41st Annual Society for Mental Health Research Conference on 28 November in Melbourne. This study examines the distribution of demographic, health, and social risk factors for suicide by region and sex in inner regional and outer regional areas of Tasmania between 2010 and 2016. It also aims to examine clustering of health and social risk factors for suicide among suicide deaths - a history of mental illness, reported physical illness, and problems related to primary support groups including family circumstances.

• IFIC Australia wrapped up the 2019 series of webinars on 11 December with Dr Anthony Brown, Executive Director of Health Consumers NSW exploring the reasons why partnering with communities is essential in developing health services.

• The Australian Rural Mental Health Study (ARMHS) commenced in 2006 and the recruited cohort was followed for 5 years. This study has produced yet another published paper on the Social Determinants of Psychological Wellbeing for Children and Adolescents in Rural NSW.

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Appendix 1: Research cont.

• In 2019 The Virtual Dementia Friendly Rural Communities project trialled strategies to increase connection and support for rural carers of people living with dementia in 12 communities across 3 states of Australia. The project implemented a model for engaging with communities using online strategies, coupled with face-to-face and computer-mediated communication. This approach was perceived as being a useful model for augmenting access to information and support for rural communities. At the conclusion of the project in November, it was seen that this model could increase support for rural people who are living with dementia, their carers, and their communities. The model leverages technology to overcome challenges of distance that can otherwise disadvantage rural people. In addition, it capitalises on harnessing local ways of working and local champions to increase buy-in and relevance to rural communities, and in the process, tailoring implementation actions to best suit each community. The chief investigators in the project, including David Perkins, will be authoring reports and publications in 2020. Additionally, it is the aim that the Verily app will go live to a national audience in early 2020.

• The CRRMH has been in discussion with Everymind regarding the expansion of their Ahead for Business project to include two rural trial sites in 2020. Dr Hazel Dalton, Dr Kris Gottschall and Tessa Caton have been participating in the project planning process and Kris will take a substantive role leading the rural part of this project in 2020, with support from RAMHP.

• The research team performed an evidence check (a rapid literature review) of knowledge translation methodologies for the NSW Mental Health Commission, to inform the Living Well Mid-term Review. See Appendix 3 Publications.

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Appendix 2: ProposalsSuccessful Proposals Western PHN Mental Health Foundational Plan – Phase 2. Requested proposal from Western NSW Primary

Health Network. Perkins D, Dalton H, Fitzpatrick SJ ($90,000) accepted July 2019.

NSW Mental Health Commission Mid-Term Review – Evidence check on research translation methodologies. Requested proposal from the NSW Mental Health Commission. Dalton H, Perkins D, Lawrence-Bourne J and Powell N ($15,000) accepted October 2019

Submitted Proposals NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Chronic disease prevention for people with a mental health condition: a population approach. Submitted by University of Newcastle and led by Professor Jenny Bowman. Prof David Perkins is a co-investigatorCo-design strategies to increase access to effective preventive care to reduce risk behaviours for people with a mental health condition at a population level. APP1198425 (submitted December 2019).

Pending Proposals National Dementia Support Program submitted by La Trobe University and led by Professor Irene Blackberry. Awareness and Stigma Reduction Campaigns. VERILY consortium. $1,494,643.62 (Submitted April 2019).

Unsuccessful Proposals Rethinking rural suicide: Accommodating complexity in research, policy and practice. NHMRC Ideas Grant App1189098, $287,796. Fitzpatrick, SJ., Brew, B., Perkins, D., Farmer, J. & Handley, T.

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Appendix 3: PublicationsPublished Papers Peters, I., Handley, T., Oakley, K., Lutkin, S. and Perkins, D. (2019) Social Determinants of Psychological

Wellbeing for Children and Adolescents in Rural NSW.

Lawrence-Bourne, J., Powell, N., Dalton, H., Oelke, N. and Perkins, D. (2019) Methodologies for the Living Well Strategy - Mental Health Commission of NSW Strategy 2014-2024. Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Orange, NSW.

Pending Submissions Berg E., Wilhlem K., Handley T. Is there an association between dietary habits and recurrent deliberate self-harm? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, submitted 3 February 2019.

Berg E., Wilhlem K., Handley T. Is there an association between dietary habits and recurrent deliberate self-harm? BMC Psychiatry, submitted 6 September 2019.

Maddox, S., Read, D.M.Y., Powell, N., Caton, T., Dalton, H., Perkins, D.D. Developing a mobile data collection tool to manage a dispersed mental health workforce. Rural and Remote Health. Submitted 22 August 2019.

Withdrawn Submissions Davies, K., Read, D., Booth, A., Turner, N., Gottschall, K., and Perkins, D. Connecting with social and emotional wellbeing in rural Australia An evaluation of the ‘We Yarn’, Aboriginal gatekeeper suicide prevention workshop, Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin, submitted: 22 February 2019. (Withdrawn due to lack of communication from the editorial team. This will be re-submitted to another journal)

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Appendix 4: ConferencesPresented Perkins, D. The Orange Declaration. Australian Rural & Remote Health Symposium, 28-30 October 2019, Adelaide.

Dalton, H., Wilson J., Read, D.M., Booth, A., Day, J., Hayes, A., Handley, T. Development and enhancement of pathways created to Health and Social Care for clients in areas of family disadvantage in targeted Primary Schools in Sydney, Australia.2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Integrated Care, 11-13 November 2019, Melbourne.Please note, due to family illness Dr Dalton was unable to attend, Mr James Wilson presented on her behalf.

Cosgrave, C., Dalton, H. and Robin Bryant. Empowering and Engaging People and Communities - Volunteering and the role of the local community. 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Integrated Care, 11-13 November 2019, Melbourne.

Moch, S. A descriptive study of suicide deaths in Tasmanian inner regional and outer regional areas from 2010-2016. 41st Annual Society for Mental Health Research Conference, 28 November 2019, Melbourne.

24 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

Appendix 5: PhD Students

Emma Austin has completed a full draft of her thesis. Emma’s paper, The concerns about climate change among rural residents in Australia has been accepted for publication by the Journal of Rural Studies.

Sophun Moch continues to analyse qualitative data for a descriptive study on suicide deaths in Tasmanian rural communities from 2010-2016 as part of his PhD thesis. He presented his work at the Annual Society for Mental Health Research Conference in Melbourne.

25 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

Appendix 6: Media Activity

26 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson LinkOctober27.09.2019 Bega District News Rainbow Waves MH matters award Grand Pacific Health youth

mental health manager Jenny Valdivia

https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/6409726/fling-rainbow-wave-festival-announced-as-winners-for-2019-mental-matters-awards/

28.09.2019 Central Western Daily Orange Declaration experts recognise mental health services not effective

CRRMH Director Prof David Perkins interviewed

https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/6409646/mental-health-experts-recognise-patient-support-falls-short-in-regional-areas/

30.09.2019 ABC South East Rainbow Waves MH matters award RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie interviewed

No link

1.10.2019 YouTube video Mental Health Matters Rainbow Inclusion Award 2019 - Rainbow Waves Festival Committee

RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie interviewed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_f-N2LQxwE

1.10.2019 Radio 2XL Rainbow Waves MH matters award RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie interviewed

No link

2.10.2019 Monaro Post Stress and decision making RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie

Article on file

3.10.2019 Blue Mountains Gazette Fun job of rural journalism can have serious days, too

GBG and Tessa Caton https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/6416492/one-simple-question-can-make-a-difference/?cs=2696

3.10.2019 LOTL (Australian's Lesbian Magazine)

Making Waves for LGBTI Mental Health in Regional Australia

RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie

https://www.lotl.com/news/australia/making-waves-for-lgbti-mental-health-in-regional-australia/

3.10.2019 The Ararat Advertiser Grafton vet finds time for himself GBG story https://www.araratadvertiser.com.au/story/6419165/veterinarian-finds-time-to-heal-himself/

Appendix 6: Media Activity

27 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

3.10.2019 The Land Grafton Vet story – Glove Box Guide

RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6415957/veterinarian-finds-time-to-heal-himself/

3.10.2019 The Mudgee Guardian Glove Box Guide story The Land and RAMHP https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/6416492/one-simple-question-can-make-a-difference/?cs=13491

3.10.2019 Cowra Guardian Support available in central west RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/6413997/support-available-in-central-west/

4.10.2019 The Land News Glove Box Guide to Mental Health Launch

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton and the Land Editor Andrew Norris

https://www.theland.com.au/story/6421576/the-glove-box-guide-launches/

4.10.2019 Barrier Daily Truth Decision making and stress RAMHP Coordinator Marie Kelly

On file

4.10.2019 Lithgow Mercury Drought affected local farmers invited to free lunch at Capertee Royal Hotel

RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6421377/capertee-royal-hotel-to-host-free-long-lunch-for-farmers/

4.10.2019 Central Western Daily Mental health toolbox launched with The Land at the Agrestic Grocer

CRRMH, Tessa, Di Gill and David Perkins

https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/6421492/mental-health-guide-launched-with-the-land-at-the-agrestic-grocer-photos/

5.10.2019 ABC South East One book, one community RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie interviewed

No link

6.10.2019 Nine News Central West Glove Box Guide Launch RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton and Editor of The Land Andrew Norris

https://www.facebook.com/9NewsCentralWest/videos/vb.101109683749655/995725780774180/?type=3&theater

6.10.2019 The New Daily Suicide support grows as rural communities suffer grief and loss

CRRMH research mentioned

https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/vic/2019/10/06/felicity-johns-horsham-suicide-support/

7.10.2019 North Queensland Register, Farm Weekly

We’re off and running for mental health

RAMHP mentioned https://www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/6421035/were-off-and-running-for-mental-health/

Appendix 6: Media Activity

28 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

8.10.2019 Forbes Advocate, Cowra Guardian

Doing it tough – support available in the Central West

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6420235/doing-it-tough-support-available-in-central-west

9.10.2019 Monaro Post Women's Pamper Day Delegate RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie

No link

9.10.2019 Port Macquarie News Rural Adversity Mental Health Program can help when times get tough

RAMHP Coordinator Orry Berry

https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6418574/rural-mental-health-support-when-times-get-tough/

9.10.2019 Queensland Country Life Mental health stigma CRRMH Position Paper referenced

https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6429003/ploughing-through-mental-health-stigma/?cs=4726

9.10.2019 The Land Mental Health First Aid Training -Jindera

RAMHP Coordinator Faith Rogers interviewed

No link

9.10.2019 The Murray Valley Standard

Murray Bridge Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo's 2019 event may be last one

RAMHP mentioned https://www.murrayvalleystandard.com.au/story/6430469/tenth-mental-health-wellbeing-expo-may-be-last-event/

10.10.2019 Namoi Valley Independent

Search on for trusted advocates in Coonabarabran to help locals in drought

RAMHP mentioned https://www.nvi.com.au/story/6429996/search-is-on-to-find-locals-to-support-community-in-tough-times/

11.10.2019 The Western Magazine RRT Operation Drought Relief Host Farmers Community Connect event

RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6431861/drought-relief-day-connects-farmers-with-support-services-photos/

11.10.2019 ABC Hunter New England

Impact of Drought on kids RAMHP Coordinator Matt Milne

No link

11.10.2019 The Land Healthy living in place at Australian National Field Days

RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6443108/healthy-living-in-focus-at-australian-national-field-days/

11.10.2019 South Coast Register Prosperity in the Park 2019 a success despite the weather

RAMHP mentioned https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/6433850/crowds-entertained-at-prosperity-in-the-park/#slide=0

Appendix 6: Media Activity

29 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

11.10.2019 Lithgow Mercury Comedy night to be held for locals to come together during the drought

RAMHP Coordinator Sonia Cox

https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6431927/council-matters-hartley-picnic-under-the-stars-comedy-night/

14.10.2019 Bhekisisa Life on a hotter earth: Depression, drought & decolonising mental health

We-Yarn and CRRMH https://bhekisisa.org/features/long-form-features/2019-10-14-depression-drought-and-decolonising-mental-health/

14.10.2019 Bega District News One book – one community RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie interviewed

https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/6437233/books-are-powerful-project-aims-to-bring-people-together-through-literature/

14.10.2019 The Daily Examiner (subscription only)

Our Healthy Clarence- a model for wellbeing

CRRMH Director Prof David Perkins

https://www.crrmh.com.au/search/?kw=our+healthy+clarence

15.10.2019 ABC Rural Report International Day of the Rural Woman

RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Kenny

No link

16.10.2019 Glen Innes Examiner Fifth rural women's day out a great success

RAMHP Coordinator Letitia Cross

https://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/6439545/fifth-rural-womens-day-out-a-great-success/

17.10.2019 Bellingen Shire Courier Sun

‘Share your Journey’ at the free Bellingen Community BBQ

RAMHP mentioned https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/6442059/free-barbeque-offers-chance-to-share-your-fire-stories-and-more/

17.10.2019 Southern Highland Times Local Leaders| Wollondilly CWA: Sconeversations can assist our mental health

RAMHP mentioned https://www.southernhighlandnews.com.au/story/6443950/sconversation-assists-our-mental-health/

17.10.2019 North Coast PHN INFO: What you need to know if you are fire affected

RAMHP Coordinator Steve Carrigg

https://ncphn.org.au/archives/media/mental-health-support-for-bush-fire-affected-residents

17.10.2019 The Northern Star INFO: What you need to know if you are fire-affected

RAMHP Coordinator Steve Carrigg

https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/info-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-are-fire-affecte/3856870/

18.10.2019 Mudgee Guardian Landcare| Resilient Farmers project

RAMHP mentioned https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/6438424/natural-sequence-farm/

Appendix 6: Media Activity

30 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

18.10.2019 Oberon Review Oberon Rotary | Let's talk honestly about mental illness

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.oberonreview.com.au/story/6439422/oberon-rotary-lets-talk-honestly-about-mental-illness/?cs=1495

18.10.2019 Fresh Air Daily Successful farmers long lunch at Capertee

RAMHP Coordinator Sonia Cox

https://www.bluemts.com.au/news/successful-farmers-long-lunch-at-capertee/?FAD-news

18.10.2019 The Land Healthy living in focus at Australian National Field Days

RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6443108/healthy-living-in-focus-at-australian-national-field-days/

18.10.2019 Western Magazine Decision making and How Are You Going? poster

RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Kenny interviewed

No link

19.10.2019 Daily Liberal Decision making and How Are You Going? poster

RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Kenny interviewed

No link

21.10.2019 The Daily Liberal, Western Magazine

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program is offering tips to deal with tough decisions and stress

RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Kenny

https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6447894/help-when-facing-tough-choices-and-stress/?cs=1549

22.10.2019 Yass Tribune Some tips to boost your mental wellbeing

RAMHP Coordinator Judy Carmody

https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/6450790/some-tips-to-boost-your-wellbeing/

23.10.2019 About Regional ‘One Book One Community’ turns Bega Valley into one big book club

RAMHP Coordinator Jen Keioskie

https://aboutregional.com.au/one-book-one-community-turns-bega-valley-into-one-big-book-club/

24.10.2019 Canowindra Phoenix Mental Health trivia night in Canowindra

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link

24.10.2019 Canowindra Phoenix Ag and Chat morning teas RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link

25.10.2019 About Regional One book, one community RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Keioskie interviewed

https://aboutregional.com.au/one-book-one-community-turns-bega-valley-into-one-big-book-club/

Appendix 6: Media Activity

31 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

25.10.2019 ABC Country Hour The importance of taking care of mental and physical health

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill interviewed

No link

30.10.2019 In The Loop newsletter (University of Newcastle)

CRRMH named 2019 Organisation of the Year

CRRMH https://uonstaff.sharepoint.com/sites/IntheLoop/SitePages/Centre-for-Rural-and-Remote-Mental-Health-named-2019-Organisation-of-the-Year.aspx?from=DigestNotification

30.10.2019 Mail and Guardian Drought, depression and decolonisation

We-Yarn mentioned https://mg.co.za/article/2019-10-29-00-drought-depression-and-decolonisation

30.10.2019 The Northern Daily Leader

Baggy Blues to visit Tamworth and Inverell as NSW government announces $1.2 million mental health funding

RAMHP https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6465976/baggy-blues-to-tour-tamworth-as-funds-flow-for-mental-health/

31.10.2019 Queensland Life, The Land, Stock and Land, Western Magazine, Stock Journal

It's not too weak to speak Di Gill at the Australian National Field Days

https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6466161/its-not-weak-to-speak/?cs=4790

November2.11.2019 Lithgow Mercury Residents and farmers come

together at Picnic Under the Stars event

RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6471504/fun-and-laughter-for-residents-and-farmers-in-hartley-photos/

4.11.2019 Far West in Focus GBG launch RAMHP Coordinator Marie Kelly

No link

5.11.2019 Parkes Champion Post Series of free Ag and Chat morning teas coming to Central West communities

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/6475000/ag-and-chat-morning-teas-coming-to-a-rural-community-near-you/

6.11.2019 Western Magazine, Nyngan Observer, Canowindra News

Series of free Ag and Chat morning teas coming to Central West communities

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6477273/ag-and-chat-morning-teas-coming-to-a-rural-community-near-you/?cs=12034&sfns=mo

7.11.2019 Canowindra Phoenix Series of free Ag and Chat morning teas coming to Central West communities

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill On file

Appendix 6: Media Activity

32 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

13.11.2019 Lithgow Mercury Hampton to host family afternoon of activities and farming presentations

RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6478009/hampton-to-host-family-afternoon-of-activities-and-farming-presentations/

15.11.2019 Guardian News, Liberal party of Australia, The Macleay Argus, Guardian News, Nambucca Guardian News

Mental health help is on offer for fire ravaged communities

RAMHP https://www.nambuccaguardian.com.au/story/6494469/mental-health-help-is-on-offer-for-fire-ravaged-communities/

15.11.2019 ABC Radio PM Coping with bushfires RAMHP Coordinator Steve Carrigg

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/mental-health-first-aid-for-people-affected-by-bushfires/11709926

16.11.2019 Namoi Valley Independent Mental health support coming to Spring Ridge

RAMHP mentioned https://www.nvi.com.au/story/6494539/support-free-health-checks-at-spring-ridge-whats-on/

17.11.2019 The Land (plus 125 newspapers across NSW)

Disaster welfare help for people coping with fires

RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6493924/fire-trauma-can-creep-up-once-adrenalin-dies-down/

18.11.2019 ABC Western Plains Benefit of social events to mental wellbeing and help seeking

RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Kenny interviewed

No link

18.11.2019 Gilgandra Weekly and Toora Bungles

Tooraweenah Resilience and Wellbeing Event

RAMHP mentioned No link

18.11.2019 Gilgandra Weekly and Warren Weekly

Collie Womens Wellbeing Workshop

RAMHP mentioned No link

19.11.2019 Great Lakes Advocate Council will continue to offer support and assistance

RAMHP mentioned https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/6497382/an-important-news-bulletin-from-council/

19.11.2019 PS News.com.au Helping hand for fire survivors RAMHP mentioned https://psnews.com.au/2019/11/19/helping-hand-for-fire-survivors/

20.11.2019 Hit 107 Centrelink mobile service bus in Nana glen today

RAMHP mentioned https://www.hit.com.au/story/centrelink-mobile-service-bus-in-nana-glen-today-145001

Appendix 6: Media Activity

33 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

25.11.2019 ABC Central West Ag and chat morning tea – coping with stress

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill interviewed

MP3 on file

25.11.2019 Grenfell Record Ag and chat morning tea RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.grenfellrecord.com.au/story/6508983/chat-and-morning-tea-about-the-drought-in-grenfell-on-wednesday/

26.11.2019 Yass Tribune (monthly column)

Decide to make choices carefully RAMHP Coordinator Judy Carmody

https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/6511207/decide-to-make-choices-carefully/?cs=1554

28.11.2019 ABC Newcastle Looking after your mental health following a bushfire

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton interviewed (pre-record)

No link

27.11.2019 Great Lakes Advocate Mobile recovery units in Tuncurry and Nabiac

RAMHP mentioned https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/6513621/help-is-available-as-the-region-recovers/

27.11.2019 Grenfell Record What's new in Weddin – Ag Chat morning tea

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link

27.11.2019 ABC Far West RAMHP and GBG RAMHP Coordinator Marie Kelly interviewed

No link

28.11.2019 Radio 2BS Bathurst Looking after your mental health following a bushfire

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton interviewed (live)

No link

29.11.2019 Forbes Advocate Ag and Chat morning tea RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link

29.11.2019 Walcha News Women of the drought unpack the load at the Ex Services Club

RAMHP Coordinator Letitia Cross

https://www.walchanewsonline.com.au/story/6512451/laughing-it-off-in-walcha/

December3.12.2019 Yass Tribune, Goulburn

Post, Crookwell GazetteTake care of your mental health after a bushfire

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6523277/take-care-of-your-mental-health-after-a-bushfire/

Appendix 6: Media Activity

34 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

3.12.2019 Echo Netdaily Health comes first in fire crisis RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.echo.net.au/2019/12/health-comes-first-fire-crisis/

4.12.2019 UUU FM Mental health RAMHP Coordinator Alison Tye

No link

5.12.2019 Forbes Advocate Looking at Landcare: Dates for a cuppa or a clean-up

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6528001/looking-at-landcare-dates-for-a-cuppa-or-a-clean-up/

5.12.2019 ABC Rural Hour Drought and staying connected through Ag and Chat

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill interviewed

No link

6.12.2019 2NNUR Helping rural communities leading up to Christmas

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

No link

6.12.2019 The Daily Advertiser Drought will hurt rural communities but there are ways to help

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uploads/Media-Article-Drought-will-hurt-rural-communities-but-there-are-ways-to-help_Daily-Advertiser_6-Dec-2019.pdf

6.12.2019 2MN RAMHP and men’s mental health RAMHP Coordinator Matt Milne interviewed

https://www.2nm.com.au/podcast-player/show/7446040-matt-milne-coordinator-at-the-rural-adversity-mental-health-program/hunter-valley-today

10.12.2019 Bathurst Broadcaster –live interview

10 ways to support rural communities leading up to Christmas

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton interviewed

No link

11.12.2019 Western Magazine Rotary project releases tension amongst drought-stricken communities

RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6535220/hope-flows-from-project/

12.10.2019 Dubbo Photo News Article on mental health – CRRMH responses

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

No link

12.12.2019 Parkes Champion Post and Forbes Advocate

Ag and Chat morning teas RAMHP mentioned https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/6539784/important-dates-for-landcare/?cs=1496

Appendix 6: Media Activity

35 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019

12.12.2019 The Gloucester Advocate Drought resources in town RAMHP mentioned https://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/story/6528369/drought-resources-in-town/?cs=435

16.12.2019 2WEB Outback Mental health at Christmas and review of 2019

RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Kenny interviewed

No link

17.12.2019 Wauchope Gazette Rural Adversity Mental Health Program says look after yourself

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/6546916/prioritise-your-mental-health-after-bushfires/

17.12.2019 Yass Tribune (monthly column)

How to support rural communities RAMHP Program Coordinator Judy Carmody

https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/6546897/times-are-tough-how-can-you-support-rural-communities/

18.12.2019 The Land Ten ways to support rural communities in NSW

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.theland.com.au/story/6549906/10-ways-to-support-rural-communities/

19.12.2019 Manning River Times Taking care of your mental health following a bushfire

RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/6549242/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-following-a-bushfire/

19.12.2019 Cootamundra Herald Cootamundra to host NSW Baggy Blues

RAMHP mentioned https://www.cootamundraherald.com.au/story/6548273/cootamundra-to-host-nsw-baggy-blues/

20.12.2019 Camden Haven Courier Rural Adversity Mental Health Program says look after yourself

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.camdencourier.com.au/story/6550007/prioritise-your-mental-health-after-bushfires/

21.12.2019 Port Macquarie News Rural Adversity Mental Health Program says look after yourself

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6552829/prioritise-your-mental-health-after-bushfires/

21.12.2019 The Land This year CWA returned to its roots in a big way

RAMHP Sconversations campaign mentioned

https://www.theland.com.au/story/6554317/this-year-cwa-returned-to-its-roots-in-a-big-way/

22.12.2019 Great Lakes Advocate Taking care of mental health following a bushfire

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/6552181/taking-care-of-mental-health-after-bushfire/

22.12.2019 The Land Fires, drought put mental health under the microscope

RAMHP Coordinator Orry Berry

https://www.theland.com.au/story/6555116/helping-hands-for-those-out-on-the-frontline/

23.12.2019 Newcastle Herald plus 82 regional newspapers

10 ways to support rural communities in NSW at Christmas and beyond

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton

https://www.areanews.com.au/story/6550662/10-ways-to-support-rural-communities/

RAMHP QUARTERLY UPDATEOCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019

RAMHP Quarterly Update Report, October – December 2019

RAMHP Quarterly Update Report: October – December 2019

This report is intended to provide an update for our key stakeholders on the work being undertaken by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program

(RAMHP). It is intended that this report will be emailed to key stakeholders and also available on the Program’s website and that of the Centre for

Rural and Remote Mental Health. Please email comments or questions to: [email protected].

Table of Contents

Section Page Number

General RAMHP Program Updates 3

Data Considerations 16

RAMHP Updates by Program Component 17

LINK 17

TRAIN 23

INFORM 25

| 2

General RAMHP Program Updates

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program – Tessa Caton

RAMHP Program Updates

• A 35% increase in the number of people linked to care occurred

between Oct-Dec 2019. This is largely due to the RAMHP response

to the bushfires across the Mid North Coast, Hunter New England

and North Coast areas of NSW.

• Compounding adversity remains a common issue across NSW with

RAMHP Coordinators assisting both drought and bushfire affected

communities

• RAMHP Coordinators on the North and Mid North Coast worked

with LHD management and the Office of Emergency

Management to plan longer term disaster recovery projects

• A number of major resources were launched by the RAMHP Team

including:

• 8th Edition of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health

• You Got This Mate Website; and

• Lived experience videos

• The NSW Government also launched the Mental Health & Drought

Sports Fund. This fund will be supporting the 2020 Rural Mental

Health Cricket Tour, organised by RAMHP & the Baggy Blues

• RAMHP Coordinator, Orry Berry attended the Unicef Youth Drought

Summit, supporting the young Indigenous attendees.

• A number of Statewide mental health literacy training projects

continued, including:

• Completion of Water NSW rollout

• Essential Energy

• Department of Industry, Planning & Environment

• RAMHP Coordinators, Camilla Herbig, Kate Arndell and Kylie

Atkinson presented at the Australian Rural & Remote Symposium

in Adelaide. They joined with CRRMH Team that launched the

Orange Declaration

• Animal welfare remains a strong priority across the state, with the

drought causing severe water shortages. RAMHP Coordinators

received a presentation from DPI’s Animal Welfare group.

People Updates

• Interviews were conducted to establish a RAMHP Coordinator

position in Armidale. Results of recruitment will be known in early

2020

• Approval was obtained to establish an additional RAMHP Coordinator

position in the Far West LHD. Recruitment will commence in early

2020

• Unfortunately, Project Officer Elise Taylor and RAMHP Coordinator

Sarah Green left us in November and December. We wish them all

the best in their next chapter.

Report 4 Highlights

• 806 People Linked to Care

between Oct – Dec 2019

• 106 Training Courses were

delivered to 3,005 participants

between Oct – Dec 2019

• 203 Community Events were

attended by RAMHP Coordinators

between Oct – Dec 2019

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 3

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights– Jocelyn Johnston and

Lauren Dunkley

The Communications team had another extremely busy quarter with the

launch of a new website, the release of two Lived Experience videos

and the publication of the 2019 Glove Box Guide to Mental Health.

You Got This Mate: A dedicated rural men's mental health website

During November, the RAMHP team completed the first stage of the

You Got This Mate website.

You Got This Mate provides action-focussed tips and information to

help rural men reach their best possible mental health.

Designed in close consultation with RAMHP’s Rural Men’s Resource

Advisory Group, the website is visually appealing to men, easy to

navigate and comprises appropriate content, language and tone suitable

to a rural male audience.

Lived Experience Videos

Two of the Lived Experience videos which were shot during August

have been finalised and were released on social media and on the new

You Got This Mate website. A third video will be finalised in January and

will be released across RAMHP's communication platforms. View

Andrew's and Kaiden's videos on YouTube.

Glove Box Guide to Mental Health Vol. 8

Now in its eighth year, the award-winning Glove Box Guide to Mental

Health was officially launched on Thursday 3 October at the Agrestic

Grocer in Orange.

The 64- page Guide, a joint partnership between The Land and Rural

Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) shares personal stories of

how people cope with and adapt to change as well as where people can

find help for their mental health concerns when they need it.

With NSW in the grip of prolonged drought, the theme this year is

‘Journey Through Change’ highlighting the many and varied changes

people go through in rural Australia – At Home, At Work, In The

Community, as well as Where To Get Help.

Responding to Bushfire Crisis in Mid and Northern NSW

During November and December many communities along the East

Coast of NSW and inland were devastated by bushfires. RAMHP have

been responding to media requests for information and comment along

with launching a social media campaign to disseminate information

about how to keep well during and following a disaster, and when a

person should seek professional help. A dedicated page was also

developed for the RAMHP website which compiles all the resources,

information and support services individuals and communities may need

when experiencing and recovering from bushfire.

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 4

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights– Jocelyn Johnston and

Lauren Dunkley

RAMHP eNewsletters

RAMHP released two eNewsletters during this period.

The October/November edition, 'Let's Talk' about men's mental health,

was delivered to 1,345 recipients and had a 33.9% open rate. This

edition focused the freshly released 2019 edition of the Glovebox Guide

to Mental Health and the launch of RAMHP's new targeted men's

mental health website You Got This Mate . Click here to view the

October/November eNewsletter.

The December/Christmas edition, Merry Christmas and What's NEW,

was delivered to 1,434 recipients and had an open rate of 27.9%. This

edition provided an overview of RAMHP's work throughout 2019,

launched two new Lived Experience videos and included a Christmas

greeting. Click here to view the December/Christmas eNewsletter.

Website

During this quarter the RAMHP website received 6,530 website

sessions (+37.46%) The average website session was 2:26 mins.

The top 5 pages were as follows:

1. Homepage – 3,157 views

2. Downloadable Resources – 879 views

3 Find a RAMHP Coordinator – 751 views

4. About Us– 519 views

5. About Us; Meet the Team – 514 views

Events

Glove Box Guide to Mental Health

Across the state, RAMHP Coordinators launched the latest edition of

the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health to their local communities.

In Orange, the official launch was held at the Agrestic Grocer on the 3rd

of October. The evening event was well attended by community

representatives which included the Orange Mayor, staff from The Land,

local service providers and individuals interetsed in progressing the

awareness of mental health. The event was convered in the media and

also served as a celebration for the RAMHP project staff who had spent

many months preparing material for the Guide.

.

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 5

Drought EventsAcross NSW RAMHP Coordinators have been heavily invloved in

drought events with the aim of promoting strategies for maintaining

positive mental health, highlighting the help services available in local

communities and identifying individuals who required linking to care.

Events included 'Ag 'n Chat' morning teas in the Central West,

Connection with Community dinner and lunch events in Hunter New

England, 'Sconversation' morning teas, drought relief information nights

and Drought Communities One Stop Shops road shows. All events were

strongly supported by RAMHP communications and media resources.

Launch of Social Media VideosDuring November and December, RAMHP launched regular social

media videos. Filmed by Coordinators while out in the 'field', the short

videos address common mental health queries and/or strategies to keep

mentally well. In November, Phil spoke about what a normal response to

a disaster is and during December Camilla talked about why

connections are important for keeping well.

Program Manager, Tessa Caton, also provided a video wrap-up of

RAMHP's achievments during 2019.

General RAMHP Program Updates

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 6

Newspaper Insert Campaign

During this Quarter the team were also busy planning and implementing

a campaign to support local newspapers in drought affected areas as

well as promote RAMHP and our How Are You Going? poster. So far

73,450 inserts have been included in various newspapers in drought-

affected communities. Editorial focussing on ‘Decision making and

stress’ and promoting local RAMHP Coordinator details was also

included in some newspapers. This project continues to be rolled out to

a few remaining areas in regional NSW. Considering the bushfire

emergencies, editorial content has changed to focus to on self-care after

natural disasters.

The poster was also inserted into 12,000 copies of the 2019 issue of the

Country Web newsletter, which is produced by the NSW Rural Women’s

Network. This year's edition celebrates rural women turning their

passions into professions.

General RAMHP Program Updates

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 7

General RAMHP Program Updates

Media Highlights

Media coverage of RAMHP was positive and widespread in Q4.

Topics include the launch of the Glove Box Guide, tips on decision

making and stress, tips on mental health care following a bushfire,

the Baggy Blues tour, Ag and Chat morning teas and ways to support

rural communities leading up to Christmas.

This quarter the team sent out the following media releases:

10 ways to support rural communities leading up to Christmas

Monday, December 9, 2019

Taking care of your mental health following a bushfire

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Community wellbeing approach delivers positive results

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Award winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health launches

Thursday, October 3, 2019

The media release ’10 ways to support rural communities in NSW

leading up to Christmas’ was printed in over 83 regional newspapers

and RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton was also interviewed by a

number of radio outlets.

The media release ‘Taking care of your mental health following a

bushfire’ also had a good pick up with over 8 newspaper articles and

a number of radio interviews with RAMHP Program Manager Tessa

Caton.

The following three issues were published in October, November and

December

• October - Wellbeing and You

• November – Decision making and stress

• December –Supporting rural communities leading up to

Christmas

Some examples of key media activity are presented in Table 1 on the

following page. Please note this is a sample only.

The full list for October-December can be seen in Appendix A of the

CRRMH Quarterly Report.

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 8

General RAMHP Program Updates

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Date Media

Outlet

Topic Spokesperson Link

1.10.2019 YouTube video Mental Health Matters

Rainbow Inclusion Award

2019 - Rainbow Waves

Festival Committee

RAMHP

Coordinator Jennie

Keioskie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_f-

N2LQxwE

4.10.2019 The Land News Glove Box Guide to Mental

Health Launch

RAMHP Manager Tessa

Caton and the Land Editor

Andrew Norris

https://www.theland.com.au/story/6421

576/the-glove-box-guide-launches/

4.10.2019 Central Western Daily Mental health toolbox

launched with The Land at

the Agrestic Grocer

CRRMH, Tessa, Di Gill and

David Perkins

https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au

/story/6421492/mental-health-guide-

launched-with-the-land-at-the-agrestic-

grocer-photos/

8.10.2019 Forbes Advocate, Cowra

Guardian

Doing it tough – support

available in the Central

West

RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/sto

ry/6420235/doing-it-tough-support-

available-in-central-west

9.10.2019 Port Macquarie News Rural Adversity Mental

Health Program can help

when times get tough

RAMHP Coordinator Orry

Berry

https://www.portnews.com.au/story/641

8574/rural-mental-health-support-

when-times-get-tough/

14.10.2019 The Daily Examiner

(subscription only)

Our Healthy Clarence- a

model for wellbeing

CRRMH Director Prof David

Perkins

https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uplo

ads/Media-Article_Our-Healthy-

Clarence-a-model-for-

well_being_2019.pdfnce| 9

Table 1: Overview of media Interactions (note this is a sample only – see Appendix A of the CRRMH Quarterly report for a full list)

General RAMHP Program Updates

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Date Media

Outlet

Topic Spokesperson Link

17.10.2019 North Coast PHN INFO: What you need to know

if you are fire affected

RAMHP

Coordinator

Steve Carrigg

https://ncphn.org.au/archives/media/mental-

health-support-for-bush-fire-affected-

residents

18.10.2019 Fresh Air Daily Successful farmers long lunch

at Capertee

RAMHP

Coordinator

Sonia Cox

https://www.bluemts.com.au/news/successful-

farmers-long-lunch-at-capertee/?FAD-news

21.10.2019 The Daily Liberal,

Western Magazine

Rural Adversity Mental Health

Program is offering tips to deal

with tough decisions and

stress

RAMHP

Coordinator

Camilla Kenny

https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6

447894/help-when-facing-tough-choices-and-

stress/?cs=1549

22.10.2019 Yass Tribune Some tips to boost your mental

wellbeing

RAMHP

Coordinator

Judy Carmody

https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/645079

0/some-tips-to-boost-your-wellbeing/

30.10.2019 The Northern Daily

Leader

Baggy Blues to visit Tamworth

and Inverell as NSW

government announces $1.2

million mental health funding

RAMHP https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/

6465976/baggy-blues-to-tour-tamworth-as-

funds-flow-for-mental-health/

31.10.2019 Queensland Life, The

Land, Stock and Land,

Western Magazine,

Stock Journal

It's not too weak to speak RAMHP

Coordinator Di

Gill

https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/stor

y/6466161/its-not-weak-to-speak/?cs=4790

| 10

General RAMHP Program Updates

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Date Media

Outlet

Topic Spokesperson Link

15.11.2019 ABC Radio PM Coping with bushfires RAMHP Coordinator

Steve Carrigg

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/ment

al-health-first-aid-for-people-affected-by-

bushfires/11709926

29.11.2019 Walcha News Women of the drought

unpack the load at the Ex

Services Club

RAMHP Coordinator

Letitia Cross

https://www.walchanewsonline.com.au/story/651

2451/laughing-it-off-in-walcha/

3.12.2019 Yass Tribune,

Goulburn Post,

Crookwell Gazette

Take care of your mental

health after a bushfire

RAMHP Manager

Tessa Caton

https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6523

277/take-care-of-your-mental-health-after-a-

bushfire/

6.12.2019 Radio 2MN RAMHP and men’s mental

health

RAMHP Coordinator

Matt Milne

interviewed

https://www.2nm.com.au/podcast-

player/show/7446040-matt-milne-coordinator-at-

the-rural-adversity-mental-health-

program/hunter-valley-today

17.12.2019 Wauchope Gazette Rural Adversity Mental

Health Program says look

after yourself

RAMHP Manager

Tessa Caton

https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/654

6916/prioritise-your-mental-health-after-

bushfires/

23.12.2019 Newcastle Herald plus

83 regional

newspapers

10 ways to support rural

communities in NSW at

Christmas and beyond

RAMHP Manager

Tessa Caton

https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6550

662/10-ways-to-support-rural-communities/

| 11

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 9

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley

The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for

RAMHP’s Facebook page.

Table 2: Overview of RAMHP’s Facebook Page Statistics, Oct. –

Dec. 2019

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Statistic Impact

413 new likes were achieved during this period, bringing the total

number of likes to 2316

• Number of likes increased by 21.6%

Post Publishing this quarter was 113 • This quarter featured posts on the launch of the new 'You Got

This Mate' website, multiple posts on coping with bushfire

disaster, a very popular post of the How Are You Going Poster,

and 2 RAMHP Coordinator videos which addressed the

importance of staying connected with community and normal

emotional responses to disaster.

Engagement with posts:

− Reactions 5188

− Comments 310

− Shares 1347

− Link Clicks 401

• Total engagements were up by 37.2%

• Posts that attracted high engagement included a post about

how people can best support those affected by bushfires,

information about charity organisation GivIt, Kate Arndell and

Camilla Herbig's recorded presentation to Australia and New

Zealand Rural Mental Health Symposium, and the newly

released lived experience video of Kaiden Powell..

| 13

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley

The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for

RAMHP’s Twitter page.

Table 3: Overview of RAMHP’s Twitter Statistics, Oct - Dec. 2019

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Statistic Impact

29 (+5.7%) new followers were achieved during this period, bringing

the total number to 540

• RAMHP’s Twitter audience continues to increase

Post Publishing this quarter was 35 during this period • Publishing frequency increased by 16.7% this quarter

35 Tweets during this period:

− Post Link Clicks

− Replies 4

− Retweets 59

− Tweet Likes158

• Engagement has increased by 14.8% this quarter.

| 14

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley

The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for

RAMHP’s Instagram page.

Table 4: Overview of RAMHP’s Instagram Statistics, Oct - Dec. 2019

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Statistic Impact

90 new followers (+31.91%) were achieved during this period,

bringing the total to 372.

• RAMHP’s reach on social media continues to grow

Post Publishing this quarter was 25 during this period • Publishing frequency has been reliably consistent

throughout the period for the newly launched Instagram

account.

Engagement with 25 posts:

− Likes 602

− Comments 14

− Saves 5

− Impressions 11415

• Engagement increased by 0.8% during this period.

| 15

Data Considerations

This Report 4 represents the fourth period of data collected using the

RAMHP App in 2019. There are a number of considerations which must

be taken into account when interpreting the results of this Report. These

include:

• Annual leave taken by RAMHP Coordinators during the reporting

period may impact on their data presented in the Report.

• The correctness of data from the RAMHP App relies on the accurate

data entry of the RAMHP Coordinators.

General RAMHP

Program Updates

Data

Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 16

How Many People Were Linked?

• From October – December 2019, 806 people were linked to mental

health support services or resources by RAMHP Coordinators. This

represents a 35% increase from last quarter.

• The majority of links (n=683, 85%) were people seeking

assistance for themselves.

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 17

Chart 1: Number of Links Oct. – Dec. 2019, by Linkage Type

422 469

683

156130

123

Apr - Jun 2019 Jul - Sep 2019 Oct - Dec 2019

Nu

mb

er

of

Lin

ks

Quarter

Linked someone to services/resources to help someone else

Linked someone to services/resources for themselves

How Did Linking Take Place?

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

• During October – December 2019, the largest number of links

took place when RAMHP Coordinators attended community

events (n=95, 34%).

• A considerable proportion of linkages also occurred by

providing advice to other professionals (n=48, 17%) and

through RAMHP training (n=45, 16%).

| 18

Note: (n=278). 528 cases were not included as they were group links i.e. when a

number of people are linked at the same time for a specific issue.

Chart 2: Proportion of Links Oct. – Dec. 2019, by Method of Linkage

34%

16%17%

13%

6%

4%

9%

I met them at a community event or meeting

They attended training I delivered

I provided linking advice to a professional in my partnerships/networks

Through phone or email contact

The ‘person in need’ works for a service in my partnerships/networks

The ‘person in need’ was referred from another service

Other

How Did Linking Take Place?

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 19

Note: (n=278). 528 cases were not included as they were group links i.e. when a number of people are linked at the same time for a specific issue.

Table 5: Proportion of Links Oct. – Dec. 2019, by Method of Linkage & Local Health District

How linking took place Far WestHunter New

England

Illawarra

ShoalhavenMid North Coast Murrumbidgee Nepean Blue Mtns. Northern Southern Sydney Areas Western Total

I met them at a community event

or meeting30% 43% 0% 67% 44% 0% 13% 12% 100% 46% 34%

They attended training I delivered 10% 43% 0% 3% 11% 0% 13% 34% 0% 15% 16%

I provided linking advice to a

professional in my

partnerships/networks

16% 0% 0% 14% 22% 0% 20% 26% 0% 14% 17%

Through phone or email contact 12% 14% 100% 6% 11% 0% 13% 12% 0% 17% 13%

The ‘person in need’ works for a

service in my

partnerships/networks

22% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 7% 8% 0% 0% 6%

The ‘person in need’ was referred

from another service0% 0% 0% 8% 0% 0% 11% 0% 0% 3% 4%

Other 10% 0% 0% 3% 11% 100% 22% 8% 0% 5% 9%

TOTAL 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

What Symptoms Or Issues Were RAMHP Coordinators Assisting With?

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

• The 10 most common issues or symptoms RAMHP Coordinators

assisted with are presented above. More than one issue or symptom

can be selected for each person linked (N=1,919).

• The most common issue or symptom was stress (n=409).

• The issue drought (n=210) moved from second place for the first

time since this measure was first reported in August 2018. Disaster

or adverse event (n=397) was the second most frequent issue

reported, most likely reflecting the Coordinators’ contact with

people affected by fires. Data specifically on RAMHP’s fire

response will be reported in next quarterly report.

| 20

Chart 3: The Ten Most Frequent Symptoms Identified when Linking, Oct. – Dec. 2019

409

397

210

169

93

87

84

82

77

66

Stress

Disaster or adverse event

Drought

Change in behaviour

Other

Relationship concerns

Physical health concerns

Work or financial concerns

Grief and loss

Symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder

Number of Times a Symptom is Selected

What Support Or Resources Were Suggested by RAMHP Coordinators?

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

• RAMHP Coordinators usually provide more than one type of

support or resource when they link (N=3,781).

• The most common support or resources provided by RAMHP

Coordinators were printed information (n=657, 17%), practical

strategies (n=497, 13%) and GP (n=482, 13%).

• This quarter saw a considerable increases in recommendations

for printed information (up 42%), telephone helplines (up

65%) and emergency services (up 88%). This is likely to reflect

the Coordinators’ response to the fires.

| 21

Chart 4: Number of Times a Type of Support or Resource was Suggested, Oct. – Dec. 2019

657

497

482

422

304

254

247

179

144

79

72

62

62

55

46

45

43

39

35

35

11

4

4

2

Printed information

I provided strategies

GP

Other mental health telephone support service

Website information, online therapy or e-mental health

Rural assistance services

MH Line or Accessline

Private specialist

Emergency services

Social support group

Non-Gov MH Team

Social worker

Material or financial assistance service

CMHT

Carer support service

Family or relationship service

Employment support services

Other

Farmgate

Youth services

Child protection services

Alcohol or Other Drug Service

Education support services

Housing assistance service

Number of Times a Suggestion was Given

Coordinators’ Stories From Those We Help: Fires

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

I spoke with a woman who was

discharged from a mental health

facility. She presented to the

evacuation centre as her home

perished in the bushfire. I linked

her to the Community Mental

Health Team.

I was approached by a Red Cross responder,

new to her position helping people affected by

the bushfires. She sought information about

available services, and I gave her Glove Box

Guides, a DPI Primary Producers Assistance

Guide, HRUG posters and contact details for

other RAMHP Coordinators. She was

particularly interested in knowing how to engage

people in accessing services and how to have

difficult conversations about mental health.

I met a veterinarian who is experiencing

constant worry about the welfare of

wildlife and domestic animals affected by

the bushfires. I linked them to their GP,

telephone support, online services and

provided print information and practical

strategies.

I spoke with a man who was exhausted from

the fires and smoke. He was really anxious

about climate change. We had a long talk

and I provided some websites and a copy of

the Glove Box Guide. He plans to reconnect

with family as a result of this tragedy.

I visited businesses in an area affected by the

fires to see how people were coping. I met a

woman who was experiencing mild trauma -

intrusive thinking, trouble sleeping and

'catastrophising' events that "could have"

happened as a consequence of the bushfires. I

provided information about phone and online

services, suggested they access a social

support group and I provided strategies.

I spoke with a woman who was

experiencing symptoms of hyper

vigilance and worry about what

could have happened to family

members in the wake of the

bushfires that raged through the

area. I provided printed information

and recommended online support.

| 22

How Much Training Was Delivered?

• From October – December 2019, 106 training courses were

delivered by RAMHP Coordinators.

• The most common training courses delivered were Mental Health

First Aid (n=28, 26%), Tailored Training (n=25, 24%), and

Workplace Support Skills (n=26, 25%).

• RAMHP Coordinators delivered training to 3,005 participants this

quarter.

• On average each course contained 28 participants.

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 23

Chart 5: Number of Training Courses Delivered, by Course Type,

Apr. – Dec. 2019Chart 6: Number of Training Participants, Apr. – Dec. 2019

10 8 8

3128 26

61

56

25

28

23

28

7

13

9

23

4

7

142

134

106

Apr-Jun 2019 Jul-Sep 2019 Oct-Dec 2019

Nu

mb

er

of

Trai

nin

g C

ou

rse

s

Quarter

CSS WSS HISS TT MHFA W&Y VW GTD Total

3,044

3,705

3,005

Apr-Jun 2019 Jul-Sep 2019 Oct-Dec 2019

Num

ber

of

Tra

inin

g P

art

icip

ants

Total number of training participants across all training courses

Who Did RAMHP Coordinators Train?

• Training courses were predominantly comprised of general

community members (n=17, 16%), community group or

organisations (n=13, 12%) and other government or

council staff (n=13, 12%).

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

Examples of Organisations Trained

• Stormtech

• GenTech Seeds

• NSW Police

• Orange City Council

• Cooinda Court Nursing Home

• Sapphire Physio

• Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council

• University of New England

• HNECC PHN Practice Nurses and Admin

• Local Health District Palliative Volunteers

• Guyra Rotary

• Uniting Church in Australia

• THALES Australia

• Department of Fair Trading

• Essential Energy

| 24

Chart 7: Number of Training Courses, Audience Type, Oct. – Dec. 2019

1

1

2

2

2

5

5

6

7

7

7

9

9

13

13

17

Consumers (of mental health and other services)

Employment

Housing

Police or emergency services

Youth

Mixed welfare services

Other

Education

Heavy industry

Physical health (eg medical)

Mental health

Other Private Business

Primary industry

Other government or council

Community group or organisation

General Community Members

Number of Training Courses

Au

die

nce

Typ

e

What Audiences Were Reached Through Community Events?

• RAMHP Coordinators attended a large number of farming (n=60,

30%) and general community (n=109, 54%) events.

• General community events included Trusted Advocates Information

in Coonabarabran, Prosperity in the Park in Nowra, Designing

Resilience Actions Workshop in Warren and the Human Services

truck roadshow in Wilcannia.

• RAMHP Coordinators had direct contact with 3,410 visitors at events.

General RAMHP

Program UpdatesData Considerations

RAMHP Updates by

Program ComponentLINK TRAIN INFORM

| 25

Chart 8: Coordinator Attendance at Community Events, by Audience

Type, Oct. – Dec. 2019

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

2

4

6

5

7

60

109

EPA staff

Fire Response

Elderly

Education

Youth

Carers

Men

Aboriginal

Council staff

Service Providers

Health staff

Women

Farming

General community

Coordinator Attendance at Community Events

Au

die

nc

e T

yp

e

If you have any questions regarding the content of this Report, please contact:

Tessa Caton

Program Manager, RAMHP

Ph: 0484 339 996

Email: [email protected]