CENTRE FOR RURAL & REMOTE MENTAL HEALTH

Quarterly Report October – December 2020 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. Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health

As the Australian Collaborating Centre for the International Foundation for PO Box 8043 Integrated Care, we promote patient-centred rather than provider-focused Orange East NSW 2800 care that integrates mental and physical health concerns. T +61 2 6363 8444 E [email protected] As part of the University of Newcastle, all of our activities are underpinned by research evidence and evaluated to ensure appropriateness and effectiveness.

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

2 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Contents

Report Page Director’s Report 4

Snapshot of the Quarter 5

Research 6

Connections 10

Communications 12

Online Connections 14

Partnerships 16

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) 22

Staff News 23

Appendix 25

3 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October - December 2020 Director’s Report Centre Director Professor David Perkins

I’m sure I was not alone on New Year’s Eve in feeling a certain relief that 2020 had come to an end, combined with some trepidation about what lies ahead in 2021. The combination of bushfires, drought, floods, pests, trade conflicts and COVID added up to an extraordinary set of challenges for rural and remote residents.

In the last quarter the CRRMH saw the completion of some important projects which have required rigorous and sustained effort over many months. Our paper on rural adversity attempted to clarify how adverse events can contribute to isolation, loneliness, poor mental health and even self-harm and suicide. Our team reviewed an enormous amount of complex literature and identified the core processes which need to be addressed in a world where extreme events appear more common and more serious than most have experienced in a lifetime. The findings were not restricted to academic reports or articles but appeared online, in newspapers, in blogs and other accessible formats to inform policies, services and individual action.

We also published an Indigenous version of our acclaimed “How are you going?” poster, the content of which was consulted with Indigenous mental health workers, and artwork created by Wiradjuri woman Trudy Sloane. The value of all versions of the poster, including our youth and Indigenous versions, lies in enabling people to think about their own wellbeing and whether they should seek help from a health professional. Research conducted by the CRRMH suggests that people may not be well informed about what constitutes normal emotional responses and what are problems that might benefit from professional help, and the poster assists them to make a self-assessment.

We continued our partnership with Everymind, producing a range of materials for rural people who work in, own, or manage small businesses. We have been aware for some years that large businesses have invested in policies and services to promote mental wellbeing and prevent mental injury, however many small businesses don’t have human resources departments and in 2020, many were concerned about viability and staying in business. We worked with a number of small business owners to develop a blog series that we hope will be of value to a group with poor access to appropriate support.

I would also like to note the extraordinary performance of our staff who completed their work in conditions of high intensity when many of the normal elements of face- to-face meetings and visits were impossible. Zoom meetings can be a poor substitute for human interaction and the number of zoom meetings can expand to fill the time available. We all hope that some degree of normality can resume sooner rather than later.

Finally, I note as I write this that the Chief Fire Officer of Western Australia is briefing the press about a large bushfire in a rural area near Perth. This is a timely reminder that just like when we had our own bushfire crisis in NSW only 12 months ago, our work is important and that the people we serve need our best efforts in developing accessible and effective means of support.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021; a year in which the CRRMH will celebrate 20 years.

David Perkins

4 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Snapshot of the Quarter

Research Connections Communications Online Connections

Rural and Remote Rural adversity paper Launch of series 4 of Over 10,000 people Mental Health and article published Let’s Talk podcast visited the RAMHP Symposium in The Conversation and Indigenous How website are you going? poster

Partnerships Partnerships RAMHP Staff News

403 people linked to care Cuppa, Connect & Create Research Associate 121 training courses Donna Read retired events with Dept of delivered to 1,732 Primary Industries and after six years with attended participants the CRRMH GIVIT 142 community events attended

5 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Research Compiled by Research Lead Hazel Dalton and Research Assistant Angela Booth

Wellbeing in rural small business

The CRRMH and RAMHP have continued collaborative work with EveryMind on wellbeing in rural small business, providing rural engagement support (including in rural communities) of their Ahead for Business project. With the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the planned on the groundwork was delayed to this quarter - a summary of 2020 can be seen in the Partnerships section. Dr Kris Gotschall coordinated a weekly blog series representing the lived experience of rural small business owners, with 21 in total (7 in this quarter). In parallel to this work, Kris led a research project investigating the experiences of rural small business owners and their Rural Adversity wellbeing, with 12 people interviewed in-depth, with thematic analysis conducted. A report has been drafted with The last quarter of 2020 saw the culmination of a year’s collaborative work recommendations that will be relevant for both RAMHP and revisiting our concept of rural adversity (literature review, collaborative Ahead for Business, to be finalised early 2021. workshop and iterative development)– with the publication of a new conceptual paper – Lawrence-Bourne et al (2020) What Is Rural Adversity, How Does It Affect Wellbeing and What Are the Implications for Action? In the International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health. There has been considerable traction with it in the media. With an Altmetric attention score of 263, it is in the top 5% of all research outputs, it has been mentioned by 33 news outlets (Perkins D - Preparing rural communities for the adversity that will come. The Canberra Times and others), including a piece written specifically for The Conversation (Perkins D and Dalton H – Bushfires, Drought, COVID: Why rural Australians' mental health is taking a battering.)

For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5

6 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Research Compiled by Research Lead Hazel Dalton and Research Assistant Angela Booth

Communication and information sharing - Conferences and other forums

The CRRMH is committed to supporting the development of conferences and other forums as well as participating in them to promote the dissemination and sharing of research and knowledge on rural and remote mental health. This quarter CRRMH staff participated in the organising and running of three conferences:

• The 13th Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Conference of the Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (University of Newcastle) was held virtually on 16 October. As a PRC Early Career Researcher Committee member, CRRMH’s Tonelle Handley played a vital role on the organising committee. The conference had a steady attendance of over 50 attendees all day (a mixture of students and staff) with 34 talks on the program.

• The 12th Australian Rural & Remote Mental Health Symposium, which was held virtually 26-28 October. CRRMH Director David Perkins played a key role on the organising committee and served as Chair for the Conference. The CRRMH was a conference sponsor and actively participated in the online exhibition sessions. CRRMH staff attendees: David Perkins, Tessa Cummins, Hazel Dalton, Vanessa Delaney, Kris Gottschall, Nic Powell, Joanne Lawrence-Bourne and Claire Gander. Dr Hazel Dalton, Prof Jane Farmer and Prof David Perkins presented the opening plenary session - Rural Adversity and mental health: better understanding for improved wellbeing. There were 522 online attendees, from rural, remote, regional and metropolitan areas and included consumers, carers, practitioners, policymakers and researchers. Themes that emerged from the conference include: (a) The Importance of Place; (b) The Environmental and Social Determinants; (c); and (d) Health System Issues – for more see the conference communique. Perkins, D. and Miller, K. (2020), The 12th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium Communiqué. Aust. J. Rural Health, 28: 629-631.

• 5-6 November - E-Mental Health International Conference 2020 – The CRRMH was a key partner in the planning of the University of Newcastle organised conference, with Prof David Perkins on the organising committee and Dr Hazel Dalton taking a conference moderator role. David delivered a keynote presentation on Tele-health, rural adversity and the Orange Declaration. Hazel chaired Plenary session V, with presentations on technology and rural and remote mental health from Prof Jane Farmer (Swinburne), Dr Nasser Bagheri (ANU) and Prof Luis Salvador-Carulla – the abstracts can be found here.

For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5

7 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Research Compiled by Research Lead Hazel Dalton and Research Assistant Angela Booth

Communication and information sharing - Conferences and other forums continued

• The Law Society of New South Wales hosted its annual Rural Issues Day 2020 online this year. Dr Hazel Dalton was invited to participate on the panel session: navigating hardship and the impact of recent crises on rural legal practice. The session highlighted issues for rural legal practitioners including stress and mental health problems (in themselves and their clients) and panellists focused on practical advice. Hazel focused on recognising distress and poor mental health, self-care and connecting to help, including RAMHP.

• Youth Health Forum – Embracing the diversity of regional and rural youth – on November 4 2020 Dr Hazel Dalton was invited to present “How are you going?”: Reaching rural youth through effective partnerships - Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, showcasing the work of RAMHP and the partnered development of the youth How Are You Going? poster and quiz with ReachOUT. With more than 300 registrants coming from publicly facing roles supporting youth (youth workers, school counsellors and teachers), as well as parents and members of the community. This longstanding forum series is organised by NSW Health Kids and Families, with links to presentations here.

• South West Health Research Forum, Bunbury WA – Dr Hazel Dalton presented to the South West Health Research Collaborative on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Augusta Margaret River Research Project, which supported the development of Mindful Margaret River ( see report)– 26 November 2020. This presentation was online, with the original forum in WA postponed from March due to COVID-19.

For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5

8 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Research Compiled by Research Lead Hazel Dalton and Research Assistant Angela Booth

Policy submissions and representation on key committees and groups

• National Preventive Health Strategy 2020 consultation – the CRRMH made a submission to the National Preventive Health Taskforce, with endorsement by the Australian Rural Mental Health Research Network (Orange Declaration group) members - Prof. Myfanwy Maple and A/Prof Navjot Bhullar - University of New England; Dr Rachel Sheather-Reid - Central Coast Local Health District; Prof. Russell Roberts - Charles Sturt University; A/Prof Liz Schroeder, Commissioner - National Mental Health Commission; Prof. Luis Salvador-Carulla - Australian National University. Dalton H, Herbig C, Handley T, Fitzpatrick S, Powell N and Perkins D (2020) Feedback for National Preventive Health Strategy – Rural mental health perspective - CRRMH response to the Consultation Paper for the National Preventive Health Strategy (National Preventive Health Taskforce). Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Australia.

• Cummins, T., Dalton, H., Delaney, V., and Perkins, D. (2020) Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health: Response to six questions posed by the NSW Legislative Assembly Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development on the Impact of Drought on Mental Health (regarding Support for Drought Affected Communities in NSW). Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Australia. Inquiry details can be found here.

• Suicide Prevention Australia’s NSW-ACT Joint Committee - first meeting 23 Nov. Senior Research Fellow Dr Scott Fitzpatrick, represented the CRRMH at the first meeting of this newly formed committee of organisational members. The meeting included a presentation from Mr Stephen Scott (Principal Policy officer, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health) on the NSW Health ‘Towards Zero Suicide’ investment.

• Suicide Prevention Australia – In early December Dr Scott Fitzpatrick attended an open forum with the National Mental Health Commissioner Christine Morgan, who is preparing a final report for the government on suicide prevention – early December.

For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5

9 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Connections Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

On December 4 the CRRMH was visited by NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay MP. Ms McKay met some of our Orange-based team and learnt more about our work in rural and remote communities and how we have responded, and continue to respond, to rural adversity.

In November​, CRRMH Director David Perkins attended the National Mental Health Commission’s Roundtable for Rural and Remote Mental Health Considerations for the Vision 2030 Roadmap​. The CRRMH-led Orange Declaration was a key referral point for the meeting. Jodi McKay and the CRRMH team From Oct 26-28 the CRRMH was privileged to Chair and sponsor the 2020 Australian Rural & Remote Mental Health Symposium. The annual Symposium is organised by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association and while it was planned to be held in Canberra this year, it went virtual due to COVID-19. RAMHP’s Claire CRRMH Director Prof David Perkins chaired various sessions over the three days Gander presenting and also co-presented with CRRMH Research Lead Dr Hazel Dalton and Dr Jane about the You Got Farmer from Swinburne University, launching and presenting the CRRMH’s article this Mate website “Rural Adversity and mental health: better understanding for improved wellbeing”, which was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in early October. RAMHP Strategic Project Officer Claire Gander also gave a presentation on the development of our You Got This Mate website, which was very well received. A virtual exhibition over the three days provided a good opportunity to network with Dr Daniel Rock, Principal Adviser and Research Director at the WA Primary Health Alliance and attendees of the Symposium from all over Australia and share information about our Prof David Perkins chairing one of the sessions research, programs and activities. It was attended by 522 people online.

10 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Connections cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Cummins, Research Lead Dr Hazel Dalton and Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney met with representatives from This Way Up. This Way Up is a not-for-profit initiative of St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales. They provide evidenced-based internet delivered Cognitive Behavioural Programs. Ways that RAMHP and the CRRMH can assist This Way Up to further support both rural GPs and rural people to utilise this valuable platform were discussed.

RAMHP Program Manager, Tessa Cummins presented to the board of the NSW Wine Industry Association about the work of RAMHP and how the program could assist the association in supporting the wellbeing of their members. The board saw the potential partnership as valuable and hope to During this quarter the CRRMH was invited to progress the relationship in 2021. submit responses to questions from the NSW Legislative Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development regarding the impact of drought on mental health following a presentation to the group earlier in the year.

We also prepared a response to the NSW Legislative Council's Portfolio Committee No. 2 – Health inquiry into health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales.

11 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Communications Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston

Resources and Collateral Indigenous How are you going? poster launched The Indigenous version of our How are you going? poster was launched during Take Time magazine NAIDOC Week on 12 November. The adaptation of the original resource was Our new digital Take Time magazine was consulted with people working in Indigenous mental health from around NSW to launched in September and had 6,146 page ensure the resource is culturally appropriate and will help to promote mental health views during this quarter. The printed copy and wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. version of the magazine was launched in Wiradjuri woman Trudy Sloane created the stunning “Circles of Connection’ artwork November by the NSW Minister for Mental for the poster, using colours from our Rural Adversity Mental Health Program Health Bronnie Taylor. Take Time can be (RAMHP) logo and depicting the idea that the knowledge RAMHP takes into our downloaded at communities is carried through the colours to pass the story on. You can download www.taketimemagazine.com.au. the poster from our website at: Bit.ly/2IjqtIA Podcast The new resource will be distributed into Indigenous communities in early 2021. On November 4, we launched Series 4 of our award–winning podcast Let’s Talk. The podcast features the lived experiences of rural people as well as expert commentary from our RAMHP Coordinators. Thank you once again to host and production manager Kia Handley. Series 4 has had 574 listens, and shorter previews have had over 105,000 listens on social media.

Episodes can be downloaded as follows:

E1: Recovery – what does it look like? E2:Perinatal anxiety and depression E3: The environment and your mental health E4: Spotlight - Helping the helpers E5: Decision making and stress E6: Connecting through social media

12 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Communications cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston

Media Partner eNewsletters

This quarter we continued to boost the launch of our new Take Time In this quarter we continued to contribute articles and magazine. content to partners including:

We also launched Series 4 of our award-winning Let’s Talk podcast and - DPI’s Rural Women’s Network Annual publication –The promoted the episode on perinatal depression and anxiety during Perinatal Country Web Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week in November resulting in over 44 - Dairy NSW’s monthly eNewsletter–’The Milk Flow’ regional newspaper articles as well as an interview on ABC Statewide - Life in Mind’s December eNewsletter Drive and ABC New England North West. - Suicide Prevention Australia’s December eNewsletter - University of Newcastle eNewsletter In The Loop’ With support from our colleagues at the University of Newcastle, we - Country Women’s Association of NSW’s December successfully pitched an article to ‘The Conversation’ relating to rural adversity eNewsletter in the bush. The article Bushfire, drought, COVID: why rural Australians’ mental health is taking a battering was published on November 6. Media release distribution We also pitched two short op-eds to the media written by CRRMH Director This quarter, the team sent out the following media Prof Perkins: releases: Preparing rural communities for the adversity that will come was published in The Canberra Times on October 28 plus 117 regional newspapers • Eight tips to look after each other over the festive Supporting the wellbeing of rural people experiencing disasters: what does season the evidence say? was published in the Canberra Times, the Newcastle • Let's talk podcast about perinatal depression and Herald and 115 affiliated regional newspapers on December 12. anxiety • Campaign to boost rural women's wellbeing This quarter the RAMHP Coordinators also participated in multiple • Australian country music icon shares her story and interviews. Topics included Mental Health Month, our Take Time magazine, music to help others the Dubbo Cares Campaign, the Baggy Blues campaign and our Christmas • New Take Time magazine shares stories of hope campaign. For example, our Christmas campaign resulted in 29 articles/ and courage interviews with our RAMHP team about how people can reach out to others at Christmas time.

For a full list of media activity see Appendix 6

13 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Online Connections Compiled by Acting RAMHP Communications Coordinator Ashleigh Middleton and Acting Marketing Officer Lucy McEvoy

New website additions

October 2: Rural Small Business - 12 months of highs and lows 122 views October 9: Rural Small Business - Successful business = good mental health? 47 views October 15: Rural Small Business - My part time business is my ‘ME’ time 35 views October 22: Rural Small Business - Project Hotplate: Connecting local eateries with their customers in COVID-19 times 34 views October 29: Rural Small Business - The best thing that happened was failure 53 views November 5: Rural Small Business - A great thing to do at a time of great challenge 26 views November 12: Rural Small Business - Putting the theory into practice 75 views December 3: Blog - Dr Joanne Lawrence-Bourne - For some men not having kids really matters 71 views December 8: Blog – Dr Tonelle Handley - Lessons from Australia’s largest rural mental health survey: Looking back and moving forward 66 views December 14: Blog – Professor David Perkins - Supporting the wellbeing of rural people experiencing disasters: What does the evidence say? 45 views December 16: News Item - Eight tips to look after each other over the festive season 71 views

Website Analytics 1 October – 31 December 2020 CRRMH RAMHP YOU GOT THIS MATE

7, 649 website sessions 10,391 website sessions (+96%) 1,001 sessions (-26.17%) (-26%)

Top 5 pages Top 5 pages Top 5 pages 1. Homepage: 2,187 views 1. Take Time magazine: 3,414 views 1.Homepage: 730 views 2. Podcast: 406 views 2. Homepage: 2,379 views 2.HYG Quiz: 172 views 3. Downloadable Resources: 390 3. Telephone Support: 752 views 3.Podcast: Alcohol & Other Drugs: views 4. Downloadable Resources: 529 141 views 4. RAMHP: 350 views views 4.Take Action: 102 views 5. ARMHS (Research): 329 views 5. Take Time magazine: Angus’ 5.Podcast: 80 views story: 586 views

14 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Online Connections cont. Compiled by Acting RAHMP Communications Coordinator Ashleigh Middleton and Acting Marketing Officer Lucy McEvoy

Social Media Analytics 1 October – 31 December 2020 E-newsletters Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram The CRRMH Conversations CRRMH 1,032 followers 2, 996 page likes (+0.9) 163 followers e-newsletter continues to be sent (+1.8%) 60 posts (+14%) to 83 subscribers, of which 61% 38 tweets posted 1,679 post engagements 27 posts are highly engaged and often open 289 post 203 post (-33.33%) and click through, along with the engagements engagements (+49.7%) (+97%) following results:

RAMHP 689 followers (+6%) 3,144 page likes (+8%) 161 followers October edition: 39.2% open rate, 35 tweets posted 90 posts (+16%) 683 followers (+18%) 5.1% click-through rate 334 post 30,631 post 15 posts 43 posts engagements (+43%) engagements (+435%) 176 post 519 post November edition: 38% open rate, engagements engagements (-11%) 8.9% click-through rate (+56%) RAMHP also released two Let’s Talk e-newsletters during this period: Social media promotions October/November: ‘Taking time In December, our social media channels promoted our Christmas campaign showcasing tips for the during mental health month’ was festive season. Posts across the channels during this period received a combined reach of over delivered to 1,784 recipients and 500. had a 24% open rate.

We also conducted a targeted campaign to older people to promote one of the Take Time December/January edition: magazine stories which resulted in: 28,432 people reached (60 – 65+ year olds), 18,216 post ‘Looking after each other this engagements, 16,967 views of video and 1,171 people clicking on the link to the RAMHP website Christmas’ was delivered to 1,852 with Take Time magazine link from home page. recipients and had a 23% open rate. From December 2020 the rural mental health survey was promoted in Daily News Alerts and has so far generated an additional 25 responses. An email campaign was also circulated to CRRMH contacts in December.

15 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Partnerships Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Academic partnerships

Australian Rural Mental Health Research Network – in follow up to the Orange Declaration on Rural Mental Health, Prof David Perkins and Dr Hazel Dalton have worked again with this collaborative network to produce a key conceptual IFIC Australia – the CRRMH began it’s partnership with the paper on rural adversity (for more see the research International Foundation for Integrated Care in 2015 to bring a section). This has been built upon a scoping literature review collaborating centre for integrated care in Australia. Since then we by CRRMH researcher Joanne Lawrence-Bourne and have worked with local health districts, primary health networks and iterative collaborative development of the paper after the key academic and industry knowledge partners to advance our successful collaborative workshop in April. Collaborators understanding of and advocate for integrated care in Australia. include Prof Jane Farmer, Director of the Social Innovation Research Institute at Swinburne University of Technology, The CRRMH will step back from its administrative support of IFIC Prof Nelly Oelke from the School of Nursing, University of Australia in 2021, but will remain a knowledge partner. CRRMH staff British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada, A/Prof Georgina have served in key roles since 2015, with Prof David Perkins as a Luscombe, School of Rural Health, University of Sydney director, Dr Hazel Dalton as a facilitator and Lucy McEvoy providing and Dr Nasser Bagheri from the Centre for Mental Health administrative and project support (since 2017). We are proud to have Research at the Australian National University. Members supported a raft of knowledge sharing activities including: the of the group endorsed the CRRMH submission to the organising of three conferences, three accelerated learning programs National Preventive Health Taskforce in response to the (with one more in 2021), four workshops, 13 webinars and regular Consultation Paper for the National Preventive Health communication with partners via meetings and newsletters. Strategy As part of IFIC Australia activities, CRRMH Research Leader Dr Hazel In December we partnered with the University of Canberra Dalton and Director David Perkins have worked with numerous health to assist them to promote their annual Regional Wellbeing service planners and teams to design and build evidence-informed Survey. The survey aimed to find out how the events of 2020 integrated care models. changed the wellbeing and quality of life of people across Australia, including how communities and households were affected by COVID-19, drought, bushfires, floods and storms. Data from the Regional Wellbeing Survey is used as part of a wide range of reports. 16 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

Academic Partnerships continued… Industry partnerships Institute for International Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) – the CRRMH, Prof David Perkins and Dr Hazel Dalton are members. IIMHL is a unique international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addiction services. It is a collaboration of nine countries: Australia, England, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, USA and Sweden (“Government-to-Government” initiative).

IIMHL organises systems for international innovation sharing, networking and problem solving across countries and agencies. The overall aim is to provide better outcomes for people who use mental health and addiction services and their families.

The Leadership Exchange is a week-long learning event which During this quarter RAMHP was a part of the Cuppa, Connect & is held every 16 months, with the next deferred to 2022 in New Create series, which held events for women throughout rural and Zealand (with Australian co-hosting) due to COVID. remote communities, including Guyra, Spring Ridge, Barraba, Manilla, and Springfield. Knowledge transfer among IIMHL countries also includes RAMHP Coordinator RAMHP Coordinators Kate Arndell and Andrew workshops/training/education, research, support of learning Daly presented talks at the events. collaboratives and information dissemination between Thank you GIVIT and the NSW Department of Primary Industries Exchanges. Drought Resilience Fund for supporting these events. Prof David Perkins presented the Orange Declaration on rural mental health to the group in October and a Rural Behavioural Health Collaborative has formed. Collaborative approaches to community wellbeing are a topic for 2021.

17 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

Industry partnerships continued

The CRRMH’s partnership with Everymind continued with the Ahead for Business project continuing this quarter. Seven new blogs were published as part of our Ahead for Business Rural Wellbeing Series which is now complete. Twelve interviews for the research component of this project have now been completed and thematic analysis conducted, with a report drafted and due to be finalised in early 2021.

18 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Industry Partnerships continued… During October RAMHP supported the In November RAMHP partnered with the Country National Drought and North and Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW to promote Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency Rotary Australia and support a pre-Christmas campaign exclusively for in bringing ‘one stop shops’ to Quirindi, Scone, Merriwa and Coolah. The events its 8000 members. The campaign encouraged CWA of brought together all levels of government, charities, not-for-profit and NSW members to purchase RAMHP Ambassador agricultural organisations to support farmers and rural and regional communities living through the immediate and longer-term effects of drought. It Melinda Schneider’s Be Gentle on Yourself EP, which was an excellent opportunity for farmers, families and rural communities to grab features six songs about self-care and mental a sausage sandwich, catch up with friends and neighbours and find out what wellbeing, for either themselves or someone else at support is available during drought and tough times. Christmas. As part of the package purchasers received RAMHPs new Take Time magazine and exclusive During December the CRRMH supported the National Mental Health access to a livestream concert by Melinda and special Commission’s “What are you #MakingTime for this summer campaign?” The guests. Profits from the sale of the EP will be donated campaign focused on how sharing stories can help everyone understand how to to RAMHP. prioritise their mental health and wellbeing, as well as the need to make time for RAMHP Coordinator Letitia Cross took part in the the things that help us respond to daily challenges. Rural Women's Network BEtreat re-set series for rural women in November. The 45-minute workshop explored practical tools and strategies to support people to help themselves when they are struggling, as well as pathways to care in regional communities. You can catch up on the session here: https://theruralwoman.com/youcantpouremptycup/

19 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Community partnerships We partnered with Breaking the Silence Orange to organise an online live concert event which took place on World Mental Health Day on October 10. The concert was MCd by RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill and featured live music performances and mental health information and support, promoting the important role music plays in our mental health and wellbeing. It has had over 2000 views on Facebook. Breaking the Silence will promote mental health and wellbeing throughout the year with a 2021 concert planned. The CRRMH will continue to support this group.

In early December we worked with Club 4x4 Insurance to film a video in Capertee near Lithgow about men’s mental health and our You Got This Mate website. The video will be launched in early 2021 and aims to encourage men to take action and reach their best possible mental health. Club 4x4 Insurance are passionate about men’s mental health and held a “Rigs and Rolls” event in February with their members which raised almost $5,000 towards production of the video.

After a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Baggy Blues Cricket Tour recommenced in November with a visit to Wentworth. RAMHP are thrilled to partner with the Baggy Blues on this program which brings people together over sport and promotes the value of good mental health. A special thanks to the NSW Baggy Blues Cricket Club, Allianz and the NSW Government for making this tour possible.

20 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Community partnerships continued…

On October 28 RAMHP partnered with Tradies in Sight and Lifeline Central West for the inaugural DUBBO CARES DAY. The event was an opportunity to promote genuine connections and conversations about mental health every day and included a free BBQ breakfast and lunch at the Rotunda in Dubbo as well as information on local services. Local streets were decorated with yellow ribbons and locals were encouraged to decorate their businesses, homes and cars also.

During October RAMHP joined Blooms the Chemist in Mudgee and the Peter Druitt Community Fund for an initiative called The Wellbeing Hub. The Wellbeing Hub was created in the pharmacy to provide quick access to domestic violence services and mental health support information following barriers to support which many people experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown.

On Mental Health Day in October, Tamworth-based RAMHP Coordinator Kate Arndell opened an art exhibition at the Tamworth Regional Gallery which featured the work of Rosamund Greig, who tragically lost her 24-year-old son, Sunny, to suicide in 2016. It also included the work of some of Sunny’s friends and family. Local band The Tangled Souls have written 'Rockabye Sunny' dedicated to Sunny (https://bit.ly/3nJjMzI) and Meredith Abrams has written a book title 'Sunny' about supporting a friend living with a mental illness (https://sunnyandmerry.com.au/). 50% of the song's profits, and 100% of the book's profits will be donated to RAMHP.

DONATION In October we received a very generous donation of $10,137 from the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Football Club which will be used to roll out mental health and wellbeing training in the Parkes with our partners at Gotch4Life. The funds were raised at the club’s grand final game in September where their jerseys were auctioned off. RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill had an information stand where people attending the game could find out more about RAMHP.

21 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Compiled by RAMHP Coordinator Team Leader Kate Elligett

Program Updates • 403 people were linked by our RAMHP Coordinators between October and December. The number of Train, Link, Inform people linked at community events has increased substantially, demonstrating impact of eased COVID- 19 restrictions. 1 October – 31 December 2020 • The level of training and events conducted by RAMHP Coordinators continued to increase in-line with the return to face-to-face activity. • Funding negotiations continued with the NSW Mental Health Branch regarding RAMHPs next 5 year people linked to care contract. A significant milestone was achieved in December, with all 20 RAMHP Coordinators (19.5FTE) 403 awarded 5 year contract extensions. Work continues to negotiate and finalise the broader CRRMH’s funding contract beyond June 2021. training courses • The full launch (digital and printed) of our Take Time Magazine occurred. Through advertising on 121 Facebook, Twitter and Google Ads, the campaign reached over 581,000 people. This has led to over delivered to 6,100 page views at taketimemagazine.com.au. A further 5,000 hard copies have been dispatched to 1,732 RAMHP Coordinators participants • RAMHP’s Facebook Page received a 435% increase in engagements, mainly due to Mental Health Month Campaigns, Take Time Magazine and launching of our 4th Podcast Series. community events • RAMHP partnered with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW to promote and support a pre- 142 Christmas campaign exclusively for its 8,000 members. attended • After a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Baggy Blues Cricket Tour recommenced in November with a visit to Wentworth • The Indigenous version of our How are you going? poster was launched during NAIDOC Week on 12 November. The adaptation of the original resource was consulted with people working in Indigenous mental health from around NSW, including a number of RAMHP Coordinators. • In November, all RAMHP Coordinators were able to meet face to face for the first time since March. This meeting focused on discussing and setting the strategic direction for RAMHP beyond 2020. Coordinators completed valuable workshops on thinking innovatively, Human Centred Design and facilitating online training.

Full RAMHP report available as attachment to this report

22 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Staff News Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Staff Training and Professional Development Staff movements • In 2020, CRRMH Executive Officer Rosie Dunnett completed eLAMP (Emerging Leaders and Managers Program) though the University of • Janice Whittingham finished her short-term Newcastle (UON). This was the first year it has been conducted via Zoom. She contract as the CRRMH Executive Support also graduated form Charles Sturt University (CSU) with a Bachelor of Coordinator. Vocational Education (HR Systems and Training). • After six years with the CRRMH, Research • On 2 December 2020, a number of CRRMH staff attended a virtual Newcastle Associate Donna Read retired. Impact Network session ‘Writing About Your Research Impact’. • Research Associate Kris Gottschall also finished her contract with the CRRMH. • Researcher Tonelle Handley attended a Sax Institute ‘Systems Dynamic • RAMHP farewelled a number of members of the Modelling of Suicide Prevention’ workshop in October. RAMHP Program Management Team in the last quarter of 2020, including RAMHP Team Leader Kate Elligett, Strategic Projects Manager Claire • Researcher Angela Booth attended a UON Discover session called ‘Open Gander and RAMHP Communications Officer Access Week - Know your Rights – Copyright, Creative Commons and Open Lauren Dunkley. Access’ in October, which explained copyright and author/researcher rights • Ashleigh Middleton, the CRRMH’s Marketing associated with their research outputs and copyright, such as publishing Officer stepped up into the RAMHP papers. Communications Officer position while Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy became Acting CRRMH Marketing Officer. • Dr Hazel Dalton attended the following UON Discover sessions: Finesse your • RAMHP Program Manager, Tessa Cummins Grant Proposal, Writing about your Research Impact, Open Access Week - announced she will be taking 12 months maternity Plan, Archive and Publish your Data - Data Management Dashboard Launch. leave, starting end of February 2021 • Phil Worrad, previously the statewide RAMHP • Dr Hazel Dalton and Kerri Picton attended Accidental Counselling (by Lifeline) Coordinator, has accepted a position in Western LHD, covering the Lachlan and Parkes Shires.

• The CRRMH Communications team of Vanessa Delaney, Jocelyn Johnston, Ashleigh Middleton and Lucy McEvoy attended the Suicide Prevention Australia Communication Leaders Forum virtually to hear from communications and marketing experts who shared tips and tricks of the trade.

23| Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 1: Research

IFIC Australia (for more see Partnerships) - The IFIC Australia Webinar Series continued on 29 October with a session on Aligning finances and incentives, presented by Matt Jones from the Murray PHN and Dr Liz Schroeder. - Accelerated Learning Program – Prof Nick Goodwin and Hazel Dalton have guided three teams of health professionals from Children’s Health Queensland through a series of integrated care educational sessions (5 sessions, fortnightly over two months), guiding them through a process to develop/extend their integrated care models.

Training and development - Tonelle Handley attended a Sax Institute ‘Systems Dynamic Modelling of Suicide Prevention’ workshop held in October. Academics, clinicians and those with lived experience were invited to give their views on what factors contribute to suicide, what is necessary for effective prevention strategies and factors that facilitate help-seeking. A follow up workshop will be held in February. - Angela Booth attended a Discover session called ‘Open Access Week - Know your Rights – Copyright, Creative Commons and Open Access’ in October, which explained copyright and author/researcher rights associated with their research outputs and copyright, such as publishing papers. - Hazel Dalton has attended the following sessions DISCOVER Finesse your Grant Proposal [Project Description] 25/11/2020, DISCOVER Session 04 - Writing about your Research Impact, 2/12/2020; Open Access Week - Plan, Archive and Publish your Data - Data Management Dashboard Launch 19/10/2020 - Hazel Dalton and Kerri Picton attended Accidental Counselling (by Lifeline), 16-17/11/2020

UON Medical students have finished their research projects - ‘GP and rural suicide prevention’ project under the supervision of Prof David Perkins and Dr Hazel Dalton. Dr Tonelle Handley also supervised another group to completion.

CRRMH Research Blogs - Joanne Lawrence-Bourne prepared a blog ‘For some men, not having kids really matters' appears on CRRMH website. - Tonelle Handley and Angela Booth prepared a blog ‘Lessons from Australia’s largest rural mental health survey: Looking back and moving forward’ and revised advertisement with the CRRMH communications team to increase response rate the Community Wellbeing and Mental Health in Rural and Remote Areas survey. - David Perkins prepared a blog “Supporting the wellbeing of rural people experiencing disasters: what does the evidence say?

24 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 2: Proposals

Successful Proposals Oelke N et al (including Perkins D and Dalton H) Building Resilient Rural Communities: Understanding the Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19. Led by Nelly Oelke, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Canada. IURC competition, $10,000 (submitted July 2020).

Submitted Proposals Paolucci F, DiRienzo M, Nankervis R, Goodwin N, Dalton H. The Value of Virtual Care: A patient, clinician and equity centred cost benefit analysis of virtual care. HMRI Research Stimulus Package – Seed Grant Round 1, $25,000 (submitted 6/10/2020).

Collaborative bid led by WSP (Perkins D & Dalton H collaborators) Department Of Agriculture, Water and the Environment - Request for proposal no. C04345 - Future drought fund drought resilience self-assessment tool design, development and piloting - Schedule 2 – Service Proposal. November 2020

Collaborative bids (x2) – one led by University of New England and one by University of Southern Queensland (Kiem A, Dalton H and Perkins D are the UON collaborators) for the Northern NSW/Southern Queensland Hub proposal to - Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, Australian Government, $8M over four years per hub. Submitted December 2020.

Pending Proposals Fitzpatrick S, Dalton H, Handley T and Cummins T. Locating a Good SPACE for rural suicide prevention education. Suicide Prevention Australia Special Innovation Research Grant, $99,986 (submitted 1/9/2020) 2020.

Wilhelm K, Anderson J, Dudley M, Bowden M, McAlpine R, Stuart S, Handley T, Brydon M, Coleman M. Droughts, fires and now COVID! Comparison of interpersonal counselling and treatment as usual for managing depression and anxiety for adolescents in rural and regional Australia. $968,868. 2020 COVID-19 Mental Health Research Grant application, National Health and Medical Research Council (submitted 13/7/2020)

25 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: July – September 2020 Appendix 2: Proposals continued

Pending Proposals Lambkin et al (Dalton H - CI, Perkins D - AI), University of Newcastle led. The National Centre for Innovation and Impact in Mental Health. Special initiative in Mental Health - National Mental Health Research Network $10M over 5 years (submitted 15/7/2020).

Sachdev et al (Dalton H – AI, Perkins D - AI), UNSW-led. The Australian Centre for Mental Healthcare Innovation (ACMHI). Special initiative in Mental Health - National Mental Health Research Network $10M over 5 years (submitted 15/7/2020).

Lawrence-Bourne J, Handley T, Dalton H,– Evaluating the experience of two rural perinatal mental telehealth models of care for severe and complex mental health problems: perspectives from clinicians and consumers. NSW Government Agency for Clinical Innovation’s (ACI) 2020 Research Grant Scheme, $30,000 (submitted 10/8/2020

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 3/4/19).

26 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 2: Proposals continued

Unsuccessful 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-investigator). Co-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).

Dalton H, Handley T, Austin E, Perkins D, Salvador-Carulla L. Rural adversity, and mental health: Evaluation of rural mental health service adaptation, community and consumer needs and preferences. NSW Health COVID- 19 Research Grant Program EOI, $820,000 (submitted 17/8/2020).

Paolucci F, DiRienzo M, Nankervis R, Goodwin N, Dalton H. The Value of Virtual Care: A patient, clinician and equity centred cost benefit analysis of virtual care. NSW Health COVID-19 Research Grant Program EOI, $970,000 (submitted 17/8/2020).

Salvador-Carulla L, Rosenburg S, Aryani A, Lukersmith S, Bagheri N, Dalton H, Daniel M, Chen T, Gillespie J. ANU-led. Rapid Response Mental Health Community Platform. MRFF 2020 COVID-19 Mental Health Research Grant application, National Health and Medical Research Council. $1,000,000.

27 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 3: Publications

PUBLISHED Peer-reviewed articles:

Lawrence-Bourne. J., Dalton, H., Perkins, D., Farmer, J., Luscombe, G., Oelke, N., Bagheri, N. (2020) What is rural adversity, how does it affect wellbeing and what are the implications for action? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uploads/ijerph-17-07205-v2.pdf

Austin EK, Handley T, Kiem AS, Rich JL, Perkins D, Kelly B. (2020) Drought, wellbeing and adaptive capacity: Why do some people stay well? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uploads/ijerph-17-07214.pdf

Goodwin, N., Lewis, S., Dalton, H., and Prael, G. (2020) Which interventions best support the health and wellbeing needs of rural populations experiencing natural disasters? Med J Aust 2020; 213 (11 Suppl): S10–S13. 10.5694/mja2.50881.

Lum, A., Skelton, E., McCarter, K. L., Handley, T., Judd, L., & Bonevski, B. (2020). Smoking cessation interventions for people living in rural and remote areas: a systematic review protocol. BMJ open, 10(11), e041011. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33208333/

Berg, E., Wilhelm, K., & Handley, T. (2020). Should we increase the focus on diet when considering associations between lifestyle habits and deliberate self-harm?. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02950-0

Davies, K, Read, DMY, Booth, A, Turner, N, Gottschall, K, Perkins, D. (2020) Connecting with social and emotional well‐being in rural Australia: An evaluation of ‘We‐Yarn’, an Aboriginal gatekeeper suicide prevention workshop. Aust J Rural Health. 28: 579– 587 https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12671

Perkins, D. and Miller, K. (2020), The 12th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium Communiqué. Aust. J. Rural Health, 28: 629-631. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12697

.

28 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 3: Publications cont.

Published Other (media and expert commentary):

Perkins, D. (2020) Mind fields: rural mental health article. The Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Perkins, D. and Dalton, H. (2020) Bushfires, Drought, COVID: Why rural Australians' mental health is taking a battering. The Conversation.

Perkins, D. (2020) Preparing rural communities for the adversity that will come. The Canberra Times

Research Blogs Lawrence-Bourne, J (2020) ‘For some men, not having kids really matters', CRRMH blog.

Handley T and Booth A (2020) ‘Lessons from Australia’s largest rural mental health survey: Looking back and moving forward’, CRRMH blog.

Perkins, D. (2020) “Supporting the wellbeing of rural people experiencing disasters: what does the evidence say?, CRRMH blog.

Policy submissions Cummins, T., Dalton, H., Delaney, V., and Perkins, D. (2020) Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health: Response to six questions posed by the NSW Legislative Assembly Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development on the Impact of Drought on Mental Health (regarding Support for Drought Affected Communities in NSW). Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Australia. Inquiry details can be found here.

Dalton H, Herbig C, Handley T, Fitzpatrick S, Powell N and Perkins D (2020) Feedback for National Preventive Health Strategy – Rural mental health perspective – CRRMH response to the Consultation Paper for the National Preventive Health Strategy (National Preventive Health Taskforce). Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Australia.

29 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 3: Publications cont.

Submitted Fitzpatrick, SJ, Handley T, Powell N, Read D, Inder KJ, Perkins D and Brew BK. Suicide in rural Australia: A retrospective study of mental health problems, health-seeking and service utilisation. PLOS ONE (accepted pending minor technical revision, PONE-D-20-34110R1)

Lawrence-Bourne, J. and Roufeil, L. Childlessness a determinant for mental health and wellbeing for ten Australian men. the Australian Journal of Psychology. Submitted 8 September. Wilhelm K, Handley T, McHugh C, Lowenstein D, Arrold K. The quality of internet information on psychosis treatment for Australian people. Psychiatry Research, submitted 20 November 2020.

Fitzpatrick SJ, Read D, Brew BK, Perkins D. A sociological autopsy lens on older adult suicide in rural Australia: Addressing health, psychosocial factors and care practices at the intersection of policies and institutions. Social Science & Medicine. Submitted 4 December 2020.

Maddox, S., Powell, N., Booth, A., Handley, T., Dalton, H., Perkins, D. Effects of mental health training on capacity, willingness and engagement in peer-to-peer support in rural New South Wales. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. Submitted 14 October 2020.

Handley T, Lewin T, Butterworth P, Kelly B. Employment and retirement impacts on health and wellbeing among a sample of rural Australians. BMC Public Health, submitted 24/02/2020

30 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 4: Conferences

Dalton, H., Farmer, J. and Perkins, D. (2020) Rural Adversity and mental health: better understanding for improved wellbeing. Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium, online (due to COVID-19), 26-28 October 2020. (Opening plenary presentation.)

Perkins, D. (2020) Tele-health, rural adversity and the Orange Declaration. e-Mental Health International Conference 2020, 5-6 November 2020 (online)

Austin E, Kiem A, Rich J, Perkins D, Kelly B (2020) How effectively do drought indices capture health outcomes? An investigation from rural Australia. AGU Virtual Conference 1-17 December 2020.

Luong, T. T., Handley, T., Austin, E., Rich, J., Kiem, A. (2020) New insights into the relationship between drought and mental health: Empirical evidence from the Australian Rural Mental Health Study. AGU Virtual Conference 1-17 December 2020

Moch, S., Perkins, D., Chan, S., Inder, K., Fitzpatrick, S. A Descriptive Study of Suicide Deaths in Tasmanian Rural Communities from 2010 to 2015. 21st International Mental Health Conference, 12-13 November 2020.

Other presentations:

Setti, R. (moderator), Dalton, H., Heath, M. & McKenzie, J. (2020, October) Panel session: navigating hardship and the impact of recent crises on rural legal practice. In J. van der Plaat (Chair), Rural Issues Day 2020 [Symposium], The Law Society of New South Wales, Online.

Dalton, H. (2020, November) “How are you going?”: Reaching rural youth through effective partnerships - Rural Adversity Mental Health Program. In J. Ryan (Chair) Youth Health Forum – Embracing the diversity of regional and rural youth–, NSW Health Kids and Families, online presentation via ZOOM

Dalton, H. (2020, November) Mental Health and Wellbeing in Augusta Margaret River Research Project. In South West Health Research Forum, Bunbury WA, online presentation via ZOOM.

31 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: July – September 2020 Appendix 5: PhD Students

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.

Thi Tuyen Luong is a PhD student with the Centre for Resources, Health and Safety, Dr Tonelle Handley is her primary supervisor. Her work extends from Emma Austin’s – investigating drought and other climatic impacts on rural mental health usine the Australian Rural Mental Health Study data in conjunction with climatology data.

She presented her work in December at the AGU Virtual Conference – and this work and that of Emma Austin was published in Eos – a prestigious Science News publication by AGU (American Geophysical Union). Read it here: https://eos.org/articles/long-term-drought-harms-mental-health-in-rural- communities

PENDING SUBMISSIONS

In May, Dr Scott Fitzpatrick was invited to act as Academic Supervisor on Dr Zoi Triandafilidis’ 2020 Suicide Prevention Australia Post- Doctoral Fellowship Application titled: Amplifying the Voice and Role of Family and Friends in Recovery Following a Suicide Attempt: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Also in May, Dr Hazel Dalton provided CRRMH support to Ms. Kylie Crnek-Georgeson in her post-doctoral application for the 2020 Suicide Prevention Australia Post-Doctoral Fellowship Application titled: Understanding suicide risk during transition to retirement in rural Australia.

Dr Kirsti Haracz a UON lecturer in Occupational Therapy and Dr Hazel Dalton have been in discussion with a prospective student who lectures in rural NSW. With an advanced proposal, disappointing news that his current regional employer cannot support him to enter into a PhD at this time.

32 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link October 1.10.2020 The Daily Telegraph - Working dogs and mental health RAMHP Coordinator Jen Link unavailable Good pick up across Keioskie affiliated radio stations (see below)

October The Milk Flow RAMHP’s tips on having a Article written by Comms eNewsletter (Dairy NSW) conversation around mental health - October edition

1.10.2020 Radio 2LF, 2SM, 2GF, Working dogs and mental health RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/sjF4bXEQWug 2LF, 2MO, 900 2LM, Jennie Keioskie quoted/ qAfaX6SaWvy- 2NZ, 2HD, Radio 97, interviewed by Daily vIbg?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental%20Health%20 4WK, 900 2LM, 2DU, Telegraph Program 2PM, 2EL, 4YG,2HC, 2VM, 2TM Tamworth, 2RE

1.10.2020 Lithgow Village Voice Mental health messages RAMHP Coordinator Jen Link unavailable Keioskie

1.10.2020 The Association of Loving Life FM and Headspace FB Mental Health Month - RAMHP Coordinator Sam Osborne Commonwealth Flathead Fishing Comp in Universities partnership with Headspace and Aboriginal Medical Service

33 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 1.10.2020 ABC Hunter New Rural Mental Health – Mental RAMHP Coordinator Matt Link unavailable England Health Month and Take Time Milne interviewed Magazine 2.10.2020 Multidisciplinary Digital Drought, Wellbeing and Adaptive Research Paper including https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/19/7214/htm Publishing Institute Capacity: Why Do Some People Authors Brian Kelly and Stay Well? Prof David Perkins 2.10.2020 Regional Development How can RAMHP support RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Link unavailable Australia online business and staff quoted

2.10.2020 Dubbo Photo News Mental Health Month RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Camilla Kenny

2.10.2020 Dubbo Photo News Take Time Launch RAMHP Coordinator On file Camilla Kenny quoted

2.10.2020 ABC Far West and SA Rural Mental Health – Mental RAMHP Coordinator Marie https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/VGpPlifHK5jtV Health Month and Take Time Kelly interviewed 5I6vN3LCIxaSLI?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental%20 Magazine Health%20Program

2.10.2020 Radio 2BH Rural Mental Health – Mental RAMHP Coordinator Marie https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/305kV5yUd- Health Month and Take Time Kelly interviewed de3HrwVA9zLF0T03M?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Ment Magazine al%20Health%20Program

4.10.2020 Prime News Central RAMHP and CRRMH Refunding Minister for Mental Health Link unavailable West, Canberra, uncertainty Bronnie Taylor interviewed Orange, Channel 7 - mentioned the CRRMH Sydney, Prime 7 Wagga, Port Macquarie, Tamworth Southern Cross Newcastle

34 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link October 6.10.2020 Radio 2BS Mental Health Month RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Link unavailable

6.10.2020 Dubbo Photo News Dubbo Carers Day RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Camilla Kenny together with Lifeline and Tradies in Site interviewed 6.10.2020 Prime News Central West Dubbo Carers Day RAMHP Coordinator https://www.facebook.com/ramhp/posts/1515047922025097?_ Camilla Kenny together _xts__[0]=68.ARCmMh- with Lifeline and Tradies in X90_9iBowlg4ayKbPYOADfzeJ9xbm7oS_E1Wy9A9D5SBdQf Site interviewed Vr_HyAQ5ihh5tdPewyttrniL3Jrlm96mkjj59p62XZIfXr3zT0jXvRK bJQojFHFW4pwRsr0oJFQ6U- DU1vDqKULKTH0tF4ZMBb8nSMlRocm- UWSBbtcsu4EbD42tDAh5SGRntlaWiWEVeokzJqvNodrZBSlS Uo-bIiPKwA4ujMbzt3m757BPysETCP-K- WbDuIDNGPUAN6RaMQAGdWFD_YwsQyOH86lc769SxyG1I vV7XhDtXxCzCyvqZHxhVJlnMerahPLjldoQKuX1nVOzBnZqRP B81z49RVh3g3OwD5Ks1DsOE86S- RDtmIGPL2EVoA6QeasNoQQmP_lXmd9sgE9LQzrg6GHpCzg XrPiPKY92a0G36pFLI7EWijNOTSn2TX6rtWkWTJmFCTvpZRs cYE4L27o6wFDU2MB10O4IM9xX9cftfhfVnN6zZ5ICx6BJe4S3 9_u9yooOVQ&__tn__=-R 8.10.2020 The Northern Daily GLENRACs annual Rural Women’s RAMHP Coordinator Letitia Link unavailable Leader Day event will be a mine of Cross mentioned information 9.10.2020 NBN News Tamworth regional gallery RAMHP Coordinator Kate https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/qduUy7lcKkPb exhibition (mental health) Arndell interviewed AoIwWaett-pnEbQ

35 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link October 9.10.2020 Triple M Central West Breaking the silence RAMHP Link unavailable with Neil Gill concert – World Mental Coordinator Di Gill Health Day interviewed 9.10.2020 Glenn Innes GLENRAC’s annual Rural RAMHP Link unavailable Examiner Women’s Day event will be Coordinator Letitia a mine of information Cross mentioned

9.10.2020 The Irrigator Creative Community RAMHP https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6964686/m Concepts returns to Wattle Coordinator Faith emories-of-a-son-tragically-taken-too-soon-etched-in-art/ Hill Rogers mentioned

10.10.2020 ABC New England Tamworth regional gallery RAMHP Link unavailable North West exhibition (mental health) Coordinator Kate Arndell 10.10.2020 The Northern Daily Tamworth regional gallery RAMHP https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6964686/m Leader exhibition (mental health) Coordinator Kate emories-of-a-son-tragically-taken-too-soon-etched-in-art/ Arndell

11.10.2020 Radio interview FM Mental Health Month RAMHP Link unavailable 92.9 and 2TM Coordinator Kate Arndell

36 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 13.10.2020 Coonamble Times Rural mental health RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Camilla Kenny interviewed

13.10.2020 Muswellbrook local radio Mental Health Month RAMHP Coordinator Matt https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/F58RHiAAOrH Milne zUZvsLQYO6LdcGXo?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Ment al%20Health%20Program

14.10.2020 Radio 981 2MN Take Time Magazine RAMHP Coordinator Matt https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/LI1ux_TIgtkZG Milne L615CtvKhCFUyM?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental% 20Health%20Program

16.10.2020 Daily Liberal Dubbo Cares to be held on RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/XXsThSPkMW Wednesday, October 28 to help WKTLW54RRZuI3uHws community save lives

21.10.2020 Daily Liberal Dubbo Tradies in Sight podcasts RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/Fxw6xHSnIvcg feature suicide survivors, grieving KYPSC8Hb37Wn-P4 family members

23.10.2020 Daily Liberal Dubbo Cares Day attracts support RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/z6i- of businesses including Black lBEiAabq_0ZFxKoEmdlTOFQ Tambourine

26.10.2020 Sunraysia Daily Sunraysia cricket tour tackles RAMHP and Baggy Blues https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/HgtF- mental game mentioned azdcU51VIY8oSpAmHtRdoQ

27.10.2020 Magazine – Mid Perma RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Western Mail Cassie Mastrone mentioned

37 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 27.10.2020 ABC Western Plains Rain uncertainty RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Camilla Herbig interviewed

27.10.2020 Glenn Innes Examiner Healthwise host the first 'Men Like RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/6HzsxEG0mu Us' comedy show in Glen Innes Andrew Daley mentioned GTuBHcMzEkIJC9K00

28.10.2020 The Canberra Times Op-Ed – author Prof David CRRMH Director Prof https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/57N_5OX9Shl plus 117 regional Perkins on the rural adversity David Perkins Zfczs_ayK7kfDO60 papers across NSW paper

28.10.2020 Daily Liberal Dubbo Cares is a new mental RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/gAjQZJlHMRLI health awareness and suicide- Camilla Herbig quoted RiIpGxUkljU8xgc prevention campaign

28.10.2020 Hit 93.5 Dubbo Dubbo Cares campaign RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/UW- o1fVFgAj64EofiySDz2pxdR8?keywords=Rural%20adversity%2 0Mental%20Health%20Program

28.10.2020 ABC Western Plains The impact of rain on crops and RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/4e3TsY_K- mental health Camilla Herbig interviewed oByngBpJY4_ikj- 4Ac?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental%20Health%20P rogram

29.10.2020 Mudgee Guardian A potentially life-saving initiative at RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/To- Blooms the Chemist Cassie Mastrone nFYzF80mUvwMI6vS9UeG9FoY interviewed

38 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link

29.10.2020 The Glenn Innes Mental health and fire recovery RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Examiner Andrew Daley quoted

29.10.2020 Daily Liberal Dubbo Cares Day conversations RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/i6K0BrPCkIYuv revved up by restored 1971 XY aqy9P-6WF4hw10 GT Falcon

29.10.2020 Warren Weekly 'But what do I say?' coping with RAMHP mentioned Link unavailable adversity in farming communities

29.10.2020 Dubbo Photo News Dubbo Carers Day RAMHP mentioned Link unavailable

30.10.2020 River 1467 Baggy Blues project RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/kKywxUTHNcq ykIwXqNn_Z7UCHXo?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Menta l%20Health%20program 31.10.2020 Northern NSW LHD Screen saver with RAMHP and RAMHP mentioned Link unavailable promoting mental health month

November 1.11.2020 The Northern Daily RAMHP events bring locals RAMHP Coordinator Kate https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/3lC0CQfno3vP Leader together Arndell interviewed BKHUKavAaFmO1ik

3.11.2020 2NM Mental Health Month RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/Yh2deQUc2On Matthew Milne interviewed v7G2hu8fo8Lr6ksA?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental% 20Health%20program%2CRural%20adversity%20Mental%20H ealth%20Program

39 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 4.11.2020 Oberon Review Online marketplace: Information RAMHP Coordinator Sonia https://www.oberonreview.com.au/story/6995004/online- centre launches website for local Cox mentioned market-place-information-centre-launches-website-for-local- wares wares/

4.11.2020 Lithgow Mercury Rachel Nicoll makes the 2020 RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6998247/rachel- Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for nicoll-makes-the-2020-hidden-treasures-honour-roll-for-her- her volunteer work volunteer-work/

5.11.2020 The Daily Telegraph The Difficult Conversation: Dubbo RAMHP Coordinator Subscription only podcast focuses on suicide Camilla Herbig quoted impacts with tradies in sight 5.11.2020 Online – Dubbo News Value of sharing lived experience, RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Tradies In Sight podcast launch Camilla Kenny mentioned

6.11.2020 The Conversation Bushfires, drought, COVID: Why CRRMH Director David https://theconversation.com/bushfires-drought-covid-why-rural- rural Australians’ mental health is Perkins and Research australians-mental-health-is-taking-a-battering-148724 taking a battering Lead Hazel Dalton authors

9.11.2020 Radio 981 2NM Interview on where farmers can RAMHP Coordinator Matt https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/MqdNTtEhHBo get help Milne mentioned ysPojFvCdSYyHByw?keywords=rural%20adversity%20mental %20health%20program

10.11.2020 Glenn Innes Examiner Mental health and fire recovery RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable Andrew Daley quoted

10.11.2020 CWA Statewide Boost your wellbeing Campaign RAMHP mentioned Link unavailable eNewsletter with RAMHP and Melinda Schneider

40 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 10.11.2020 The Daily Bulletin In relation to article on Bushfires, CRRMH Director David https://www.dailybulletin.com.au/news/57570-bushfires- Hashtag Australia drought, COVID: Why rural Perkins and Research drought-covid-why-rural-australians-mental-health-is-taking-a- View Magazine Australians’ mental health is Lead Hazel Dalton authors battering Modern Australia taking a battering

11.11.2020 ABC Statewide Drive Perinatal depression and anxiety- Edwina Sharrock on Let’s Link unavailable RAMHP Lets Talk podcast Talk podcast interviewed mentioned

12.11.2020 Dubbo Photo News Dubbo Cares wrap-up and RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable decorating competition winners Camilla Kenny mentioned

13.11.2020 Parkes Phoenix Gus Worland visits Parkes – RAMHP mentioned Link unavailable Gotcha4Life, RAMHP and Landcare partnership 15.11.2020 The Northern Daily Tamworth midwife and childbirth RAMHP Coordinator Kate https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/7011688/okay- Leader, plus 43 regional teacher Edwina Sharrock and Arndell and podcast guest not-to-be-okay-new-parents-dont-have-to-be-superheroes/ papers RAMHP Coordinator Kate Arndell Edwina Sharrock speak about perinatal depression interviewed and anxiety on podcast

16.11.2020 ABC Hunter New Tamworth Art Gallery and mental RAMHP Coordinator Kate https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/lfxl2J4IDsJUbq England health project Arndell 8ljKL55_GCQH4?keywords=Rural%20Adversity%20Mental%2 0Health%20Program

16.11.2020 CRRMH The Hon. Bronnie Taylor officially Minister for Mental Health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY8Zg-fOsiM&t=7s launches Take Time magazine Bronnie Taylor

41 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 17.11.2020 HealthTimes Urgent calls to improve mental RAMHP Program Manager https://healthtimes.com.au/hub/mental- health support for rural Tessa Cummins health/37/news/cm/urgent-calls-to-improve-mental-health- communities interviewed support-for-rural-communities/5430/

17.11.2020 Parkes Champion Post Gotcha4life team comes to RAMHP partnership https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/7013542/gotcha Parkes, Forbes mentioned -4-life-team-comes-to-parkes-forbes/ Forbes Advocate

18.11.2020 Forbes Advocate Never dull Rob Muffet retires after RAMHP mentioned https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6997201/never-dull- 20 years with Rural Financial rob-muffet-reflects-on-20-incredible-years/ Counselling Service

Parkes Champion Post 24.11.2020 Mudgee Guardian The Next Chapter, what’s on at RAMHP partnership The Next Chapter, what's on at the Library in December | the Library in December mentioned Mudgee Guardian | Mudgee, NSW 25.11.2020 Podcast produced by Driving profit through good mental RAMHP Coordinator Letitia Driving profit through good mental health - GRDC the Grains Research health Cross interviewed and Development Corporation 25.11.2020 Law Society Journal Cybercrime and mental health CRRMH Research Lead Dr Cybercrime and mental health greatest threats to small firms - greatest threats to small firms Hazel Dalton interviewed Law Society Journal (lsj.com.au) DECEMBER 1.12.2020 The University of Story on RAMHP Ambassador RAMHP Ambassador https://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/stories/be-gentle-on- Newcastle digital Melinda Schneider Melinda Schneider yourself-a-work-in-progress website 1.12.2020 DPI’s Rural Women’s Contributed story on Take Time, RAMHP supplied stories The Country Web 2020 Annual - Think well, Feel well Network The Country story on RAMHP and social (nsw.gov.au) Web magazine 2020 connections, Letitia's blog, Melinda’s story

42 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 1.12.2020 Dove press Pharmacists’ “Full Scope of Peer review – CRRMH https://www.dovepress.com/pharmacistsrsquo-ldquofull-scope- Practice”: Knowledge, Attitudes contributed of-practicerdquo-knowledge-attitudes--peer-reviewed-article- and Practices of Rural and JMDH Remote Australian Pharmacists

4.12.2020 Central Western Daily Mental health, suicide, Jodi CRRMH Director Prof https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uploads/Article_CWD_Jodi- McKay MP pushes for change in David Perkins quoted McKay-pushing-for-change-in-Orange_4-Dec-2020.pdf Orange

4.12.2020 Nine Canberra, Jodi McCabe on mental health CRRMH mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/PPY_mkg77O Riverina, Central West, SbKHUrApjZs8qx- Illawarra xA?keywords=Centre%20for%20Rural%20and%20Remote%2 0Mental%20Health

4.12.2020 Parkes Champion Post The Parkes Boards have been RAMHP mentioned https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/7039906/parkes successful on and off the field in $10,137 donation -boars-do-their-bit-for-movember/ 2020

7.12.2020 Mirage News/ Snowy Snowy Monaro youths complete RAMHP mentioned https://www.miragenews.com/snowy-monaro-youths-complete- Monaro Regional Teen Mental Health First Aid teen-mental-health-first-aid-training/ Council, Bombala Times training

7.12.2020 Life in mind Responding better to rural Author CRRMH Director: Responding better to rural adversity - News - Life in Mind adversity Prof David Perkins Australia 1.12.2020 The University of Story on RAMHP Ambassador RAMHP Ambassador https://www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/stories/be-gentle-on- Newcastle digital Melinda Schneider Melinda Schneider yourself-a-work-in-progress website 7.12.2020 Radio 2NM Reaching out to others at RAMHP Coordinator Matt https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/l4xglDSa5gakc Christmas Milne interviewed y5k2TfhuuKTqHU?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental%2 0Health%20Program

43 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 7.12.2020 University of Newcastle Be Gentle on Yourself RAMHP Ambassador Be Gentle on Yourself / Stories / Newsroom / The University of digital platform Melinda Schneider story Newcastle, Australia

8.12.2020 The Land, Moree Crackin’ Christmas Carnival set to RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/SrNke9LTEAt7 Champion boost spirits in Mungindi on Q7po3Pm4_zSHumk December 12 12.12.2020 Barrier Daily Truth Eight ways to look after each RAMHP Coordinator Marie Link unavailable other at Christmas Kelly

14.12.2020 Radio 2BS Eight ways to look after each RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Link unavailable other at Christmas interviewed 12.12. 2020 The Canberra Times, Op-Ed: Supporting the wellbeing Author: CRRMH Director https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7051565/supporting- Newcastle Herald plus of rural people experiencing Professor David Perkins the-wellbeing-of-rural-people-experiencing-disasters-what- 115 papers disasters: what does the evidence does-the-evidence-say/ say?

15.12.2020 Dairy NSW - The Milk You Got This Mate website RAMHP and Warren Flow eNewsletter (Dec Davies quoted edition)

44 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 16.12.2020 Suicide Prevention Let’s talk podcast – series 4 RAMHP and CRRMH Australia (SPA) mentioned eNewsetter (December)

16.12.2020 ABC Broken Hill Tips to help people during RAMHP Coordinator amie https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/nWlaxp_pT96S Christmas Kershner interviewed Bg_7vYLr439tTv0?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental%2 0Health%20Program

17.12.2020 ABC Central West Tips on looking after each other at RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Link unavailable Christmas interviewed

17.12.2020 Young Witness, Forbes Reach out this Christmas says RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Link unavailable Advocate, Cowra RAMHP quoted Guardian, Boorowa News Canowindra News 22.12.2020 Bega District News Anniversaries and mental health RAMHP Coordinator Jen Link unavailable Keioskie interviewed

23.12.2020 ABC New England Reaching out to someone at RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/94Uf9pSJrhyp North West Christmas Matthew Milne interviewed H4PDCszlWpnxu8w?keywords=Rural%20Adversity%20Mental %20Health%20Program

24.12.2020 The Lithgow Mercury Eight tips to look after each other RAMHP Coordinator Marie https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/7067825/a-chance- plus 16 regional papers over the festive season Kelly quoted for-neighbours-to-help-each-other-celebrate-this- christmas/?cs=1464

45 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link 26.12.2020 Daily Liberal 20 for 2020: Meet 20 of Dubbo’s RAMHP mentioned https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/ZlgDe_jxrQJx most outstanding people of 2020 WOLuFmDVCK2O8v4

30.12.2020 Radio 2WEB Mental health and goal setting for RAMHP Coordinator Link unavailable 2021 Camilla Kenny interviewed

Dec University of Newcastle Impact of Uni and RAMHP and Western LHD Peter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6l8iE2mHrI&feature=emb_l video the CRRMH Gorman talks about the ogo. good work of RAMHP

Extra Media Activity – RAMHP Ambassador Melinda Schneider

During October – December new RAMHP Ambassador Country Music Artist Melinda Schneider shared her story of mental ill health and her role as an Ambassador with RAMHP with the media. In total Melinda participated in 33 media interviews including TV, Radio and Print), as per table following:

46 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

MELINDA SCHNEIDER MEDIA TYPE LINK (If available) MEDIA INTERACTIONS 5.10.2020 Country Music Bulletin Online https://www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au/?f bclid=IwAR3tzIIEeBKCFWoZiTj_InwZQKW Ng5wLGWRt_69R4yLw7IgrDSCafNW4l-k

6.10.2020 KIX Country Network NSW Radio Link unavailable and QLD 6.10.2020 ABC Saturday Night Country, Radio Link unavailable NSW and QLD

6.10.2020 Big Night IN with John Radio Link unavailable Foreman

7.10.2020 2CC AM Breakfast Talking Radio Link unavailable Canberra, NSW, QLD 7.10.2020 FM 98.9 Brisbane LIVE, NSW, Radio Link unavailable QLD

7.10.2020 ABC Sydney Richard Glover Radio Link unavailable

8.10.2020 ABC Radio TAS Statewide Radio Link unavailable afternoons

8.10.2020 ABC Statewide Drive NSW Radio Link unavailable

8.10.2020 Triple M Riverina Radio Link unavailable

47 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

MELINDA SCHNEIDER MEDIA TYPE LINK (If available) MEDIA INTERACTIONS 8.10.2020 ABC Radio Statewide QLD Radio Link unavailable Early Morning Country, NSW

8.10.2020 Radio 2BH Radio Link unavailable

8.10.2020 ABC Radio Broken Hill Radio No link

9.10.2020 The Morning Show (Channel 7) TV https://7news.com.au/the-morning- LIVE show/melinda-schneider-reveals-her-guilt- over-depression-and-the-moment-she- realised-she-needed-help-c-1373583

9.10.2020 ABC New England Radio Link unavailable

9.10.2020 ABC Radio Adelaide – Radio Link unavailable Afternoons, NSW

12.10.2020 Radio 2TM Tamworth Link unavailable

14.10.2020 Loving Life FM – 103.1 LIVE Radio Link unavailable

14.10.2020 Radio 2TM Tamwroth Radio Link unavailable

48 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

MELINDA SCHNEIDER MEDIA TYPE LINK (If available) MEDIA INTERACTIONS 14.10.2020 Central Coast Community Print https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central News -coast/news/2020/10/melinda-schneiders- new-single-offers-a-message-of-hope/

15.10.2020 House of Wellness Print Will feature in Autumn edition

20.10.2020 Urban Country Radio, NSW , Radio Link unavailable QLD

21.10.2020 Hot Country NSW, QLD, NSW Radio Link unavailable

22.10.2020 Gold 104.3 with Amanda and Radio https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redi Jonesy rect/Rl1r5XoPW6wxon3MwYvSvz_yUwg?ke ywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental%20 101.7 WSFM Health%20Program

27.10.2020 Studio 10 (Network Ten) https://www.facebook.com/MelindaSchneide r/posts/201665998013361?__cft__[0]=AZV bYFh9S6r0t4snVzl- ppCN3qDkfCeEzrxxdfREtSxRv0oN5guyh5q VvJrb5CIyv8zEBY7HLP4on--B_eO5cJ_p3- 6H2DjMtTLzzY96v2UIhibjW6HKnyyVpEYgP GoHTpYOAQMMF6Nr2435rWFgdaqyj6rBv RYC18_eSH_pDjL-- w&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R 27.10.2020 The Chat Pack Podcast Link unavailable

49 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

MELINDA SCHNEIDER MEDIA TYPE LINK (If available) MEDIA INTERACTIONS 30.10.2020 ABC Radio Mackay, NSW, Radio Link unavailable QLD

2.11.2020 ABC Radio Queensland Radio Link unavailable Statewide, NSW LIVE

5.11.2020 Triple M Central Coast Radio Link unavailable

9.11.2020 ABC Radio Cairns Radio Link unavailable

9.11.2020 ABC Radio Dubbo/ Orange Radio https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redi rect/Y7Bt5bG08ZHTwRqsl7- qB9Dbt5U?keywords=Rural%20adversity% 20Mental%20Health%20Program

10.11.2020 News Limited Print Subscription only

10.11.2020 ABC Radio Bundaberg/ Radio https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redi Mayborough (Wide Bay), rect/VY- QLD, NSW xNxebNMUHlwFdaXpeCORna7g?keywords =Rural%20adversity%20Mental%20Health %20Program

50 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity

MELINDA SCHNEIDER MEDIA TYPE LINK (If available) MEDIA INTERACTIONS 13.11.2020 ABC Radio Warrnabool/ Radio Link unavailable Ballarat

30.11.2020 News Limited – Mental Health TV Subscription only 360 Campaign LIVE

30.11.2020 ABC Radio Mornings – Radio Link unavailable Warragul/ Albury/ Wodonga/ Shepparton LIVE 1.12.2020 Numerous articles as part of - Articles are subscriber Subscription only News Corp 360 Mental Health only Campaign

51 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2020 RAMHP QUARTERLY UPDATE OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2020 RAMHP Quarterly Update Report, October – December 2020

RAMHP Quarterly Update Report: October – December 2020

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 15

RAMHP Updates by Program Component 15

LINK 16

TRAIN 22

INFORM 24

| 2 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program – Tessa the original resource was consulted with people working in Cummins Indigenous mental health from around NSW, including a number of RAMHP Coordinators. RAMHP Program Updates • In November, all RAMHP Coordinators were able to meet face to face for the first time since March. This meeting focused on • 403 people were linked by our RAMHP Coordinators between Oct- discussing and setting the strategic direction for RAMHP beyond Dec. The number of people linked at community events has 2020. Coordinators completed valuable workshops on thinking increased substantially, demonstrating impact of eased COVID-19 innovatively, Human Centred Design and facilitating online training. restrictions. • The level of training and events conducted by RAMHP Coordinators People Updates continues to increase in-line with the return to face-to-face activity. • Unfortunately the program farewelled a number of members of the • Funding negotiations continued with the NSW Mental Health Branch RAMHP Program Management Team in the last quarter of 2020, regarding RAMHPs next 5 year contract. A significant milestone was including, RAMHP Team Leader, Kate Elligett, Strategic Projects achieved in Dec, with all 20 RAMHP Coordinators (19.5FTE) Manager, Claire Gander and RAMHP Communications Officer, awarded 5 year contract extensions. Work continues to negotiate and Lauren Dunkley finalise the broader CRRMH’s funding contract beyond June 2021. • Ash Middleton, the CRRMH’s former Marketing Officer will be • The full launch (digital and printed) of our Take Time Magazine stepping up into the RAMHP Communications Officer position occurred. Through advertising on Facebook, Twitter and Google Ads, • RAMHP Program Manager, Tessa Cummins announced she will the campaign reached over 581,000 people. This has led to over be taking 12 months maternity leave, starting end of Feb 2021 6,100 page views at taketimemagazine.com.au. A further 5,000 hard • Phil Worrad, previously the Statewide RAMHP Coordinator has copies have been dispatched to RAMHP Coordinators accepted a position in Western LHD, covering the Lachlan and • RAMHP’s Facebook Page received a 435% increase in Parkes Shires engagements, mainly due to Mental Health Month Campaigns, Take Report Q4 Highlights th Time Magazine and launching of our 4 Podcast Series. • 403 People Linked to Care between • RAMHP partnered with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Oct – Dec 2020 of NSW to promote and support a pre-Christmas campaign exclusively for its 8,000 members. • 121 Training Courses were delivered • After a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Baggy Blues to 1,732 participants between Oct – Cricket Tour recommenced in November with a visit to Wentworth Dec 2020 • The Indigenous version of our How are you going? poster was launched during NAIDOC Week on 12 November. The adaptation of • 142 Community Events were attended | 3 by RAMHP Coordinators between Oct – Dec 2020 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights – Jocelyn Johnston Take Time magazine and Ashleigh Middleton We continued to promote our Take Time magazine this quarter, off the back of its launch in late September. Through a combination of New RAMHP Ambassador – Melinda Schneider advertising on Facebook, Twitter and Google Ads, the campaign On October 1, we officially announced country music artist Melinda reached over 581,000 people. This has led to over 6,100 page views Schneider as RAMHP’s Ambassador. at taketimemagazine.com.au during the reporting period. A further 5,000 hard copies have been dispatched to RAMHP Coordinators to As part of the launch, we released two new videos: distribute in their communities. Melinda’s Lived Experience Story (621 views on YouTube, reached over 19,600 on Facebook) Introducing RAMHP Ambassador Melinda Schneider (76 views on YouTube, reached over 19,129 on Facebook)

During the quarter, Melinda also participated in over 41 radio and television interviews about her own lived experience of mental ill health while also mentioning her new role as Ambassador of RAMHP. These interviews were played by hundreds of affiliated media outlets across Australia and there was also significant print coverage.

Media outlets included ABC 702 with Richard Glover, Studio 10 (Network Ten), Channel 10, The Morning Show (Channel 7), and Triple M. Melinda also participated on a News Corp 360 Mental Health Campaign hosted by Peter Stefanovic along with Prof Pat McGorry (Orygen), Prof Ian Hickie (Sydney University Brain and Mind Centre) and Greg Hunt (Federal Health Minister).

In the lead up to Christmas, we also partnered with the Country Women’s Association of NSW to promote Melinda’s EP ‘Be Gentle on Yourself’, with proceeds from the EP being donated to RAMHP. 25 CWA members ordered the EP together with the Take Time magazine. | 4 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights – Jocelyn Johnston and Ashleigh Middleton

You Got This Mate video shoot Let’s Talk podcast On December 3, the Communications team attended a video shoot On November 4, we launched Series 4 of our Let’s Talk. The with Keyy Productions for our You Got This Mate website. The video award-winning podcast features the lived experiences of rural will feature Maitland-based RAMHP Coordinator and a representative people and was once again hosted and produced by journalist Kia of Club 4x4 Insurance, who contributed to the production costs Handley. The series has had 574 listens, and shorter previews through a donation. The video is in post-production and will be used in have had over 105,000 listens on social media. an advertising campaign in 2021.

Indigenous ‘How Are You Going?’ poster On November 12, we launched the latest adaptation of our self- assessment resource. The resource focusses on social and emotional wellbeing and was developed with Indigenous mental health clinicians. The featuring artwork was designed by Wiradjuri woman Trudy Sloane. Since its launch, the poster has reached over 25,000 people online.

| 5 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights – Jocelyn Johnston and Ashleigh Middleton

Websites RAMHP eNewsletters During this quarter, the RAMHP website received 10,391 RAMHP released two eNewsletters during this period. website sessions (+ 96%). The average website session was 1:28 mins. The website had 8,167 new users (+ 124%). The October/November edition, Let’s Talk: taking time during mental health month was delivered to 1,784 recipients and had a 24% open rate. The top 5 pages were as follows: 1. Take Time Magazine – 3,414 views The December/January edition, Let’s Talk: looking after each other 2. Homepage – 2,379 views this Christmas was delivered to 1,852 recipients and had a 23% 3. Online & Telephone Support – 752 views open rate. 4. Downloadable Resources – 629 views 5. Take Time Magazine: Angus' story – 586 views

During this quarter, the You Got This Mate website received 1,001 website sessions (- 26%). The average website session was 2:12 mins. The website had 752 new users (- 30%).

The top 5 pages were as follows: 1. Homepage – 730 views 2. How Are You Going Quiz – 172 views 3. Podcast: Alcohol & other drugs – 141 views 4. Take Action – 102 views 5. Resources – Podcasts – 80 views

| 6 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights – Jocelyn Johnston GRDC and the Rural Women’s Betreat Re-set sessions for rural women and Ashleigh Middleton among others.

Media Highlights This quarter the team also sent out the following media releases: •Eight tips to look after each other over the festive season (238 KB) This quarter we continued to boost the launch of our new Take Time Thursday, December 10, 2020 magazine. We also launched Series 4 of our award-winning Let’s Talk •Let's talk podcast about perinatal depression and anxiety (226 KB) podcast and promoted the episode on perinatal depression and anxiety Tuesday, November 10, 2020 during Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week in November •Campaign to boost rural women's wellbeing (528 KB) which had significant pick up in the media including over 44 regional Thursday, October 15, 2020 newspaper articles as well as an interview on ABC Statewide Drive •Australian country music icon shares her story and music to help others (528 KB) We successfully pitched an article to The Conversation relating to rural Thursday, October 8, 2020 adversity in the bush as well as two op-eds written by the CRRMH •New Take Time magazine shares stories of hope and courage (229 KB) Director Prof Perkins both of which had significant pick up in regional Tuesday, October 6, 2020 papers across NSW and referred to RAMHP. Some examples of key media activity are presented in Table 1 on the The RAMHP Coordinators participated in multiple interviews. Topics following page. Please note this is a sample only. included Mental Health Month, our Take Time magazine, the Dubbo The full list for October – December can be seen in Appendix A of the Cares Campaign and our Christmas campaign. For example, 29 CRRMH Quarterly Report. articles/ interviews were on how people can reach out to others at Christmas time.

Partner eNewsletters In this quarter we continued to contribute articles and content to partners including: DPI’s Rural Women’s Network Annual publication – The Country Web, Dairy NSW’s monthly eNewsletter –’The Milk Flow’, Life in Mind’s December eNewsletter, Suicide Prevention Australia’s Dec eNewsletter, the University of Newcastle’s eNewsletter ‘In The Loop’ and the monthly eNewsletter produced by the Country Women’s Assocation of NSW. We also contributed to various partners podcasts include | 7 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

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

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link

RAMHP Mental Health Month and Take 1.10.2020 ABC Hunter New England Coordinator No link available Time magazine Matthew Milne

RAMHP Mental Health Month and Take 2.10.2020 ABC Far West and SA Coordinator Marie No link available Time magazine Kelly

RAMHP 6.10.2020 Prime News Central West Dubbo Carers Day Coordinator (20+) PRIME7 News Central West - Posts | Facebook Camilla Kenny

Melinda’s lived experience RAMHP Melinda Schneider reveals her 'guilt' over The Morning Show (Channel 7) LIVE 9.10.2020 story and mention of Ambassador depression and fighting her own stigma against TO AIR Ambassador role with RAMHP Melinda Schneider medication | The Morning Show (7news.com.au)

RAMHP Tamworth Regional gallery NBN News | COLOURFUL ART EXHIBITION OPENS UP AN 9.10.2020 NBN News Coordinator Kate exhbiition IMPORTANT CONVERSATION Arndell

RAMHP Coordinato 29.10.2020 The Glenn Innes Examiner Mental health and fire recovery r Andrew Daley No link available quoted

| 8 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link (if available)

A potentially life-saving RAMHP Coordinator https://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/To- 29.10.2020 Mudgee Guardian initiative at Blooms the Cassie Mastrone nFYzF80mUvwMI6vS9UeG9FoY Chemist interviewed The Northern Daily RAMHP events bring RAMHP Coordinator Rural Adversity Mental Health Program events bring local women 1.11.2020 Leader locals together Kate Arndell together | Photos | The Northern Daily Leader | Tamworth, NSW Online market place: Information centre RAMHP Coordinator Online market place: Information centre launches website for local 4.11.2020 Oberon Review launches website for Sonia Cox mentioned wares | Oberon Review | Oberon, NSW local wares The Difficult Conversation: Dubbo RAMHP Coordinator No link available 5.11.2020 The Daily Telegraph podcast focuses on Camilla Herbig quoted suicide impacts with tradies in sight Bushfires, drought, COVID: why CRRMH Prof David Bushfires, drought, COVID: why rural Australians' mental health is 6.11.2020 The Conversation rural Australians’ Perkins and Hazel taking a battering (theconversation.com) mental health is taking Dalton a battering Tamworth midwife and childbirth teacher Edwina Sharrock The Northern and RAMHP CoordinatoRAMHP Coordinator Kahttps://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/7011688/okay-not-to-be- 15.11.2020 Daily Leader plus r Kate Arndell speak te Arndell interviewed okay-new-parents-dont-have-to-be-superheroes/ 43 regional papers about perinatal depression and anxierty on podcast

| 9 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link

17.11.2020 HealthTimes Urgent calls to improve mental RAMHP Progam https://healthtimes.com.au/hub/mental- health support for rural Manager Tessa Cummins health/37/news/cm/urgent-calls-to-improve-mental- communities health-support-for-rural-communities/5430/

25.11.2020 Grains Research and Driving podcast through good RAMHP Coordinator Driving profit through good mental health - GRDC Development mental health Letitia Cross interviewed Corporation podcast

1.12.2020 DPI’s Rural Women’s Letitia’s blog, RAMHPs tips, RAMHP The Country Web 2020 Annual - Think well, Feel Network publication- Take Time magazine, Melinda well (nsw.gov.au) The Country Web Schneiders story 2020

17.12.2020 Young Witness, Forbes Reach out this Christmas RAMHP Coordinator No link available Advocate, Cowra Di Gill quoted Guardian, Boorowa Ne ws Canowindra News 23.12.2020 ABC New England Reaching out to someone at RAMHP Coordinator No link available North West Christmas Matthew Milne

24.12.2020 The Lithgow Mercury Eight tips to look after each RAMHP Coordinator Eight tips to look after each other over the festive plus 16 regional other over the festive season Marie Kelly season | Lithgow Mercury | Lithgow, NSW newspapers

| 10 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

| 11 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Social Media – Ashleigh Middleton

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 2020

Statistic Impact

240 new page likes were achieved during this period, bringing the • Number of page likes increased by 8% this quarter total number of likes to 3,144 Post Publishing this quarter was 90 • Publishing frequency increased by 50% this quarter

Engagement with posts: • Total engagements increased by 435%, consistent with the increased number of paid campaigns during the quarter − Reactions 8,293 • Posts that attracted high engagement were Take Time lived − Comments 373 experience stories, and video previews of the Let’s Talk − Shares 809 podcast series − Link Clicks 4,036

| 12 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Social Media – Ashleigh Middleton

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 2020

Statistic Impact

37 new followers were achieved during this period, bringing the total • Number of followers increased by 6% this quarter number to 698 Post Publishing this quarter was 35 • Publishing frequency increased by 75% this quarter

Engagement with posts: • Total engagements increased by 43% this quarter − Post Link Clicks 34 • Once again, posts that attracted high engagement were Take Time lived experience stories, and video previews of − Replies 3 the Let’s Talk podcast series − Retweets 33 − Tweet Likes 59

| 13 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Social Media – Ashleigh Middleton

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 2020

Statistic Impact

102 new followers were achieved during this period, bringing the total • Number of followers increased by 18% this quarter to 683 Post Publishing this quarter was 43 during this period • Publishing frequency increased by 48% this quarter

Engagement with posts: • Total engagement decreased by 11% this quarter − Likes 510 − Comments 5 − Saves 3 − Impressions 115,783

| 14 General RAMHP Data RAMHP Updates by LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Considerations Program Component

Data Considerations

This Report 4 represents the fourth period of data collected using the RAMHP App in 2020. 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.

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How Many People Were Linked?

Chart 1: Number of Links Apr. – Dec. 2020, by Linkage Type

180

133 123 452

Number of of LinksNumber 263 280

Apr - Jun 2020 Jul - Sep 2020 Oct - Dec 2020 Quarter

Linked someone to services/resources to help someone else Linked someone to services/resources for themselves

• From October – December 2020, 403 people were linked to mental • The majority of links (n=280, 69%) were people seeking health support services or resources by RAMHP Coordinators. assistance for themselves.

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How Did Linking Take Place?

Chart 2: Proportion of Links Oct. – Dec. 2020, by Method of Linkage • During October – December 2020, the largest number of links took place when RAMHP Coordinators attended community events or meetings (n=60, 24%). This reflects the increase in 13% community events following easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 24% 3% • A considerable proportion of linkages also occurred by providing advice to professionals (n=58, 23%).

9%

14% 15%

23%

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

Note: (n=254). 149 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. | 17 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

How Did Linking Take Place?

Table 5: Proportion of Links Oct. – Dec. 2020, by Method of Linkage & Local Health District

Hunter New Illawarra How linking took place Far West Mid North Coast Murrumbidgee Nepean Blue Mtns. Northern Southern Sydney Areas Western England Shoalhaven Total

I met them at a community event 26% 18% 60% 0% 25% 40% 18% 24% 0% 31% 24% or meeting

They attended training I delivered 21% 8% 0% 0% 63% 0% 0% 20% 0% 9% 14%

I provided linking advice to a professional in my 21% 27% 0% 75% 13% 0% 18% 25% 50% 19% 23% partnerships/networks

Through phone or email contact 15% 6% 20% 25% 0% 0% 21% 13% 50% 28% 15%

The ‘person in need’ works for a service in my 6% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% 32% 13% 0% 3% 9% partnerships/networks

The ‘person in need’ was referred 0% 2% 0% 0% 0% 20% 0% 5% 0% 3% 3% from another service

Other 12% 37% 20% 0% 0% 40% 11% 1% 0% 6% 13% TOTAL 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Note: (n=254). 149 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.

| 18 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

What Symptoms Or Issues Were RAMHP Coordinators Assisting With?

Chart 3: The Ten Most Frequent Symptoms Identified when Linking, Oct. – Dec. 2020

Service quality or access issue 58

Drought 58

Pre-existing mental health disorder 76

Grief and loss 95

Work or financial concerns 101

Fire 102

Relationship concerns 103

Symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder 106

Change in behaviour 122

Stress 247

Number of Times a Symptom is Selected

• The 10 most common issues or symptoms RAMHP Coordinators • Fire (n=102) moved from the second most common issue identified assisted with are presented above. More than one issue or symptom among links last quarter, to fourth this quarter. Fire was overtaken as can be selected for each person linked (N=1,459). a concern by change in behaviour, symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder and relationship concerns. • The most common issue or symptom was stress (n=247).

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What Support Or Resources Were Suggested by RAMHP Coordinators?

Chart 4: Number of Times a Type of Support or Resource was Suggested, Oct. – Dec. 2020

Education support services 5 Legal aid 6 Emergency services 10 Social worker 10 Housing assistance service 12 Material or financial assistance service 18 Non-Gov MH Team 19 Youth services 25 Rural assistance services 27 Carer support service 36 Social support group 39 Other 47 Farmgate 48 Family or relationship service 56 Alcohol or Other Drug Service 57 Bush Fire Recovery Clinician 59 Employment support services 64 Fire Recovery Support Service 67 CMHT 87 Other mental health telephone support service 118 Website information, online therapy or e-mental health 137 Private specialist 139 MH Line or Accessline 146 Printed information 171 GP 222 I provided strategies 283 Number of Times a Suggestion was Given

• RAMHP Coordinators usually provide more than one type of • The most common support or resources provided by RAMHP support or resource when they link (N=1,908). Coordinators were practical strategies (n=283, 15%), GP (n=222, 12%) and printed information (n=171, 9%).

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Coordinators’ Stories From Those We Help

I met a woman who lost her husband last year I spoke with a man who recently separated and was not coping as their anniversary from his partner and had little access to his approaches. She was feeling very isolated and children. He was feeling very low. I alone, especially as physical health problems encouraged him to speak to his GP and had prevented her from leaving the house. She gave information on family law services. was increasingly drinking at high levels. I encouraged her to see her GP and explore I met a woman who was concerned telephone and online social supports. about her daughter who has recently publicly identified as lesbian. The daughter wasn’t being treated well in her workplace. We explored supports including use of ACON.

A woman impacted by fires was told she has a I helped someone working in bushfire neurological condition that will not improve. She recovery. They were not coping with their is unable to work more than a few hours a day workload and had been trying to access and feeling very depressed and anxious about support. However, due to their role they the impact on family as she is the primary I assisted a person who lost their know most of the clinicians in their area so breadwinner. I encouraged her to get support home in the Tathra fires and who we explored alternative support. I from a counsellor as well as speak to HR about wasn’t coping with their role in encouraged them to ask their GP for a other options. bushfire recovery. They were referral to telehealth services. struggling with hearing so many stories of loss. I encouraged them to speak to their EAP and explore other options including less interface with community.

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How Much Training Was Delivered?

Chart 5: Number of Training Courses Delivered, by Course Type, Chart 6: Number of Training Participants, Oct. – Dec. 2020 Apr. – Dec. 2020

139

121 32 11

19 35

1,732 45 1,584 36

41 Numberof Training Courses 01 7 695 28

15 Numberof Training Participants 39

15 16 01 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sep 2020 Oct-Dec 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sep 2020 Oct-Dec 2020 Quarter Total number of training participants across all training courses

CSS WSS HISS TT MHFA W&Y VW GTD Total

• From October – December 2020, 121 training courses were • RAMHP Coordinators delivered mental health training to 1,732 delivered by RAMHP Coordinators. participants this quarter.

• The most common training courses delivered were Tailored Training • On average each course contained 14 participants. (n=36, 30%) and MHFA (n=35, 29%).

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Who Did RAMHP Coordinators Train?

Chart 7: Number of Training Courses, Audience Type, Oct. – Dec. 2020 • Training courses were predominantly comprised of general

General Community Members 17 community members (n=17, 14%) and mental health staff (n=16, 13%).

Mental health 16 • Examples of mental health staff trained included Tailored Training: Team Building for Bushfire Recovery Services Other government or council 13 delivered to Bushfire Recovery Support Services in Moruya and MHFA delivered to Mental Health Support Staff in Heavy industry 13 Cootamundra.

Community group or organisation 12 Examples of Organisations Trained Disability 9 • Tumut Art Society Primary industry 8 • Life Choices • NSW Transport Linemarking Team Physical health (eg medical) 7 • Mudgee Bakery • MG Motors Group Mixed welfare services 7

Audience Audience Type • Tronox Mining • Valmar Disability Group Other 5 • HealthOne Quirindi

Other Private Business 4 • Charles Sturt Uni & Sydney Uni • NDIS and Aged Care facilities

Education 3 • Lithgow Council • Grafton TAFE

Youth 3

Sports 2

Carers 1

Legal 1

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What Audiences Were Reached Through Community Events?

Chart 8: Coordinator Attendance at Community Events, by Audience Type, Oct. – Dec. 2020 • Most community events attended by RAMHP Coordinators were for general community (n=53, 37%) or fire-related (n=35, 25%). General community 53 • Fire-related events included Men Like Us Fire recovery comedy

Fire Related 35 event in Hunter New England, Bushfire Community Forum hosted by Anne Leadbeater in Rylstone and Drumming Into You Program in Willawarrin. Farming 27 • RAMHP Coordinators had direct contact with 1,713 visitors at events.

Women 13

Men 3

Health professionals 3

Youth 2 Audience Type Audience

Aboriginal 2

Teachers 1

Consumers 1

LGBTI 1

| 24 Sporting club 1

Coordinator Attendance at Community Events 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]