CENTRE FOR RURAL & REMOTE MENTAL HEALTH

Quarterly Report October – December 2019 About the CRRMH

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

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

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

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

• understanding and responding to rural suicide. 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 2019 Contents

Report Page Director’s Report 4

Snapshot of the Quarter 5

Research 6

John Hoskin Library 7

Connections 8

Communications 10

Online Connections 12

Partnerships 14

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) 16

Staff News 18

Appendix 20

3 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Director’s Report Centre Director Professor David Perkins

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

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

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

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

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

With best wishes for a happy and safe new year.

Professor David Perkins

4 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Snapshot of the Quarter

Research John Hoskin Library Connections Communications Online Connections

CRRMH awarded the New paper on New online LibGuide Mental Health 8th edition of the Bushfire support social determinants created for users of the Foundation Glove Box Guide to webpage created on of wellbeing in library Australia 2019 Mental Health website for fire- children published Organisation of the launched on 3 affected individuals using ARMHS data Year Award October and communities

Partnerships RAMHP Staff News Staff News

CRRMH chosen as people linked to care 806 Research Associate rural partner of 106 training courses Dr Joanne Everymind’s delivered to 3,005 Lawrence-Bourne Ahead for participants welcomed to the Business project community events 203 research team attended

5 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Research Compiled by Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

1 new paper published 4 conference presentations

Held in Melbourne 11-13 November, the 2nd 14 years on, The Australian Rural The Virtual Dementia Friendly Rural Asia Pacific Conference on Integrated Care Mental Health Study (ARMHS) has Communities project concluded in attracted over 400 delegates. Professor David produced yet another published November. The chief investigators in the Perkins, Dr Hazel Dalton and Lucy McEvoy were paper. The study commenced in project, including Professor David Perkins, on the conference organising and scientific 2006 and the recruited cohort was will be authoring reports and publications committees. Visiting Research Fellow, Professor followed for 5 years. Social in 2020. Nelly Oelke presented at the conference. Our determinants of psychological research collaborators presented on the Family wellness for children and adolescents Referral Service in Schools Program and a rural in rural NSW was published in BMC community-led approach to integrated care. Public Health on 2 December.

For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5

6 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 John Hoskin Library Compiled by Centre Librarian Paul Stanfield

Library Updates Library Total Activity • Short ready reference inquiries proved to be lower for this quarter – down from 251 to 192. The reference inquires for patients mainly concerned logging onto computers. Visitor numbers were not included. Short reference 192 Interlibrary loan 48 • Interlibrary loan requests- GRATIS were slightly higher overall from 42 to 48. requests – GRATIS • Requests supplied to the CRRMH library were down from 145 to 46 for this period. The number of requests supplied to Western LHD was down slightly from 198 to 184. Interlibrary loan 7 requests - UON • Loans were down from 93 to 48. See table for other library activity this quarter. Interlibrary loans 4 • Assistance to CRRMH researchers and WNSW LHD staff was provided through literature searches, lean incomplete library training and setting up ORCID iDs. Requests 249 supplied from • A new CRRMH Library LibGuide has been created in conjunction with UON. The webpage helps users CRRMH library access resources, databases and subject guides relating to rural mental health and suicide prevention. Requests 21 supplied external to CRRMH Connections with UON library Loans 48 • Librarian Paul Stanfield continues to meet regularly with UON Senior Research Librarian Debbie Booth. Debbie is consulting with the CRRMH library on weeding techniques for the library’s current collection.

7 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Connections Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Awards

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

• The CRRMH were also a finalist in the University of Newcastle Excellence Awards which were presented in Newcastle on 10 December. While we didn’t take out the Community Engagement Award, it was very rewarding to see our important work in engaging with rural and remote communities during the drought recognised at the university level. The Hon. Alan Tudge MP (left), Global perspectives in healthcare workshop with Professor David Perkins and Vanessa Delaney

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

8 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Connections cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium

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

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

RAMHP Coordinators Camilla Herbig and Kate Arndell also presented – Camilla about the successful Baggy Blues program and Kate about drought relief workers. (L-R) Kate Arndell, Professor David Perkins, Tessa Caton, The Symposium was also a great opportunity to come together with other Vanessa Delaney, Associate Professor Nelly Oelke, Dr Hazel representatives from the mental health sector to showcase our work and Dalton, Camilla Herbig share our knowledge and experience in rural and remote mental health.

9 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Connections cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

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

NSW Ministry of Health’s Towards Zero Suicides initiative: • Dr Hazel Dalton participated in the Towards Zero Suicides Premier's Priority Delivery Plan Workshop (September 2019) – this forum enabled cross-sectoral planning.

• Dr Scott Fitzpatrick attended the NSW Suicide Prevention Data Forum. The forum provided updates on the development of the NSW Suicide Prevention Register. National Suicide Prevention Taskforce: • Professor David Perkins, Dr Hazel Dalton and Ms Tessa Caton gave feedback to Taskforce leads Ms Christine Morgan and Ms Jaelea Skehan at a special rural and remote session of the 2019 Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium in Adelaide in October 2019. This was followed up with a submission to the taskforce entitled: Population and strengths-based collaborative approaches to community wellbeing as a vehicle for suicide prevention. The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, NSW Minister for Mental Health • Dr Scott Fitzpatrick attended the Towards Zero Suicide Prevention Forum: Opportunities for a Coordinated Response in Canberra in November 2019. This workshop enabled the Taskforce to identify key areas for immediate action to be tabled in the annual report.

9 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Communications Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston

Projects

You Got This Mate website: Mental Health Month: CRRMH and RAMHP promoted Mental Health Month throughout October During November the dedicated by sharing our stories and resources. The awareness month encouraged people to think about men’s mental health was their mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether they may have a lived experience of completed. You Got This Mate mental illness or not. Mental Health Month gives the opportunity to understand the importance of provides action-focused tips and mental health in our everyday lives and the need to encourage help-seeking behaviours when information to help rural men reach needed. their best possible mental health. Designed in close consultation with RAMHP’s Rural Men’s Resource How Are You Going? poster: Our How Are You Going? poster continued to be a sought after Advisory Group, the website is resource this quarter. Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland adapted the poster for their visually appealing to men, easy to local community to show how locals can reach out to them for support. Almost 75,000 copies of the navigate and comprises appropriate poster were also inserted into community-owned newspapers throughout regional NSW, with content, language and tone suitable editorial content focusing on self-care after natural disasters. An additional 12,000 copies were to a rural male audience. inserted into the 2019 issue of the Country Web newsletter, produced by the NSW Rural Women’s Information presented on the Network. This year's edition celebrated rural women turning their passions into professions. website is evidence-based, developed with the research team. Lived Experience videos: Two of RAMHP’s five lived experience videos have been completed and User testing and small changes are are now live on the CRRMH YouTube channel. The videos aim to normalise help-seeking and currently being completed and an reduce the stigma of mental illness. The videos feature Kaiden Powell and Andrew House’s official launch is being planned for journeys to recovery and how they continue to maintain good mental health. These videos will be promoted across social media and will also be used by RAMHP Coordinators in their mental health March 2020. training sessions.

10 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Communications cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston

Projects cont.

Glove Box Guide launch: The 8th Men’s advisory group: The final Men’s resource advisory group was held on 13 November, edition of the Glove Box Guide to where the RAMHP project team provided the group with a sneak peek of the new You Got This Mental Health was launched on 3 Mate website. The website was developed in close consultation with the group, and language, October with a number of local tone and content of the site was directed by feedback provided during the regular meetings. organisations and service providers attending. The evening launch was a hit as attendees enjoyed local food, wine and music. Media

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

This quarter the following media releases were distributed: 3 October: Award-winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health launches 9 October: Community wellbeing approach delivers positive results 28 November: Taking care of your mental health following a bushfire 9 December: 10 ways to support rural communities leading up to Christmas

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

For a full list of media activity see Appendix 6

11 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Online Connections Compiled by Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton

Bushfire support homepage Website Analytics 1 October – 31 December 2019 In December, a new homepage for CRRMH RAMHP resources, information and support for those 8,099 website sessions (+6%) 5,155 website sessions (+8%) affected by bushfires was created. Top 5 pages Top 5 pages The homepage provides self-care information, 1. Homepage – 3,190 views 1. Homepage – 3,157 views self-help resources and links to mental health 2. Downloadable Resources – 976 views 2. Downloadable Resources – 879 views help services. It also includes research 3. Programs & Projects RAMHP – 632 views 3. Find a Coordinator – 751 views publications on adversity and resilience in 4. About us Overview – 406 views 4. About us – 519 views times of natural disaster. 5. Research ARMHS – 394 views 5. About us Meet the team – 514 views

New website additions

4 October: Orange Community Launches Award-Winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health 130 views 10 October: Community Wellbeing Approach Delivers Positive Results 215 views 18 October: Prestigious Award Win for CRRMH 89 views 31 October: Building Wellbeing – How One Community Claimed its Story 123 views 27 November: Launch of You Got This Mate 149 views 16 December: Bushfire support homepage 204 views

12 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Online Connections cont. Compiled by Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton

Social Media Analytics 1 October – 31 December 2019 CRRMH Conversations Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram e-newsletter

CRRMH 935 followers (+4%) 2,753 page likes (+10%) 56 followers (+37%) 36 tweets posted 76 posts 13 posts E-newsletters continue to be sent 240 post 14,017 post 125 post - to subscribers with the following engagements (-39%) engagements (+0%) engagements results: (+81%)

RAMHP 540 followers (+6%) 2,316 page likes (+22%) 45 followers (+36%) 372 followers (+32%) October: Marking Mental Health 35 tweets posted 113 posts 5 posts 25 posts 433 post 18,706 post 48 post 629 post Month Open rate- 62% Click rate- engagements (+36%) engagements (+37%) engagements (+0%) engagements (+0%) 16%

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

Social media promotions Orange Declaration e- newsletter Glove Box Guide to Mental Health: The launch of Volume 8 of the Glove Box Guide was The first email update was sent to promoted through CRRMH and RAMHP social media channels. 50 endorsers of the Orange Mental Health Month: Mental Health Month was celebrated in October. Throughout the month Declaration in early December. key print resources, podcast episodes and excerpts from the Glove Box Guide were shared. Open rate 52% Click rate 16%

13 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Partnerships Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

Industry partnerships

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

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

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

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

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

14 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy

Academic partnerships

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

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

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

15 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Compiled by RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton

Program Updates

• A 35% increase in the number of people were linked to care occurred between October – December Train, Link and Inform 2019. This is largely due to the RAMHP response to the bushfires across the Mid North Coast, 1 October– 31 December 2019 Hunter New England and North Coast areas of NSW. 806 people linked to care • Compounding adversity remains a common issue across NSW with RAMHP Coordinators assisting both drought and bushfire affected communities​. 106 training courses delivered to 3, 005 participants • RAMHP Coordinators on the North and Mid North Coast worked with Local Health District management and the Office of Emergency Management to plan longer term disaster recovery 203 community events attended projects​.

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

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

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

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

16 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) cont. Compiled by RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton

Program Update

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

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

People Update

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

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

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

17 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Staff News Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Hellos and Goodbyes

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

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

• We farewelled Professor Nelly Oelke in November as she finished a two-month Research Fellowship from the University of British Columbia. Greg Shapter • In November, we farewelled Tamworth-based RAMHP Coordinator, Sarah Green. Sarah was a well respected and valued member of the RAMHP team for 8 years. We wish Sarah all the best in her next chapter.

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

18 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Staff News cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney

Training

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

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

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

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

• Several RAMHP, Research and Communications staff attended the “Analysing Social Media for Better Public Policy” Symposium at Charles Sturt University in November. The symposium aimed Rosie Dunnett and Tessa to advance understanding of ways that public authorities can improve their decision-making and Caton, with Australian Institute policy by closely analysing social media. of Management trainer Anita • Congratulations to Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney on successfully completing the Ayre LH Martin Institute’s Emerging Leaders and Managers Program (eLAMP) through the University of Newcastle, a year-long program.

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

19 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 1: Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

20 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 1: Research cont.

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

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

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

21 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 2: Proposals

Successful Proposals Western PHN Mental Health Foundational Plan – Phase 2. Requested proposal from Western NSW Primary Health Network. Perkins D, Dalton H, Fitzpatrick SJ ($90,000) accepted July 2019.

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

Submitted Proposals NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Chronic disease prevention for people with a mental health condition: a population approach. Submitted by University of Newcastle and led by Professor Jenny Bowman. Prof David Perkins is a co-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).

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

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

22 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 3: Publications

Published Papers Peters, I., Handley, T., Oakley, K., Lutkin, S. and Perkins, D. (2019) Social Determinants of Psychological Wellbeing for Children and Adolescents in Rural NSW.

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

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

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

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

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

23 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 4: Conferences

Presented Perkins, D. The Orange Declaration. Australian Rural & Remote Health Symposium, 28-30 October 2019, Adelaide.

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

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

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

24 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 5: PhD Students

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

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

25 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link October 27.09.2019 Bega District News Rainbow Waves MH matters award Grand Pacific Health youth https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/6409726/fling- mental health manager rainbow-wave-festival-announced-as-winners-for-2019-mental- Jenny Valdivia matters-awards/ 28.09.2019 Central Western Daily Orange Declaration experts CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/6409646/mental- recognise mental health services not Perkins interviewed health-experts-recognise-patient-support-falls-short-in-regional- effective areas/

30.09.2019 ABC South East Rainbow Waves MH matters award RAMHP Coordinator Jennie No link Keioskie interviewed 1.10.2019 YouTube video Mental Health Matters Rainbow RAMHP Coordinator Jennie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_f-N2LQxwE Inclusion Award 2019 - Rainbow Keioskie interviewed Waves Festival Committee 1.10.2019 Radio 2XL Rainbow Waves MH matters award RAMHP Coordinator Jennie No link Keioskie interviewed

2.10.2019 Monaro Post Stress and decision making RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Article on file Keioskie 3.10.2019 Blue Mountains Gazette Fun job of rural journalism can have GBG and Tessa Caton https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/6416492/one- serious days, too simple-question-can-make-a-difference/?cs=2696

3.10.2019 LOTL (Australian's Making Waves for LGBTI Mental RAMHP Coordinator https://www.lotl.com/news/australia/making-waves-for-lgbti- Lesbian Magazine) Health in Regional Australia Jennie Keioskie mental-health-in-regional-australia/

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

26 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

3.10.2019 The Land Grafton Vet story – Glove Box RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6415957/veterinarian-finds- Guide time-to-heal-himself/ 3.10.2019 The Mudgee Guardian Glove Box Guide story The Land and RAMHP https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/6416492/one- simple-question-can-make-a-difference/?cs=13491

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

4.10.2019 The Land News Glove Box Guide to Mental Health RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.theland.com.au/story/6421576/the-glove-box-guide- Launch Caton and the Land Editor launches/ Andrew Norris 4.10.2019 Barrier Daily Truth Decision making and stress RAMHP Coordinator Marie On file Kelly 4.10.2019 Lithgow Mercury Drought affected local farmers RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6421377/capertee- invited to free lunch at Capertee royal-hotel-to-host-free-long-lunch-for-farmers/ Royal Hotel

4.10.2019 Central Western Daily Mental health toolbox launched CRRMH, Tessa, Di Gill and https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/6421492/mental- with The Land at the Agrestic David Perkins health-guide-launched-with-the-land-at-the-agrestic-grocer- Grocer photos/ 5.10.2019 ABC South East One book, one community RAMHP Coordinator Jennie No link Keioskie interviewed 6.10.2019 Nine News Central West Glove Box Guide Launch RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.facebook.com/9NewsCentralWest/videos/vb.10110 Caton and Editor of The 9683749655/995725780774180/?type=3&theater Land Andrew Norris 6.10.2019 The New Daily Suicide support grows as rural CRRMH research https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/vic/2019/10/06/felicity- communities suffer grief and loss mentioned johns-horsham-suicide-support/ 7.10.2019 North Queensland We’re off and running for mental RAMHP mentioned https://www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/6421035/wer Register, Farm Weekly health e-off-and-running-for-mental-health/

27 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

8.10.2019 Forbes Advocate, Cowra Doing it tough – support available RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6420235/doing-it- Guardian in the Central West tough-support-available-in-central-west

9.10.2019 Monaro Post Women's Pamper Day Delegate RAMHP Coordinator Jennie No link Keioskie 9.10.2019 Port Macquarie News Rural Adversity Mental Health RAMHP Coordinator Orry https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6418574/rural-mental- Program can help when times get Berry health-support-when-times-get-tough/ tough 9.10.2019 Queensland Country Life Mental health stigma CRRMH Position Paper https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6429003/ploug referenced hing-through-mental-health-stigma/?cs=4726

9.10.2019 The Land Mental Health First Aid Training - RAMHP Coordinator Faith No link Jindera Rogers interviewed

9.10.2019 The Murray Valley Murray Bridge Mental Health and RAMHP mentioned https://www.murrayvalleystandard.com.au/story/6430469/tenth- Standard Wellbeing Expo's 2019 event may mental-health-wellbeing-expo-may-be-last-event/ be last one 10.10.2019 Namoi Valley Search on for trusted advocates in RAMHP mentioned https://www.nvi.com.au/story/6429996/search-is-on-to-find- Independent Coonabarabran to help locals in locals-to-support-community-in-tough-times/ drought

11.10.2019 The Western Magazine RRT Operation Drought Relief RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6431861/drought- Host Farmers Community Connect relief-day-connects-farmers-with-support-services-photos/ event

11.10.2019 ABC Hunter New Impact of Drought on kids RAMHP Coordinator Matt No link England Milne 11.10.2019 The Land Healthy living in place at RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6443108/healthy-living-in- Australian National Field Days focus-at-australian-national-field-days/

11.10.2019 South Coast Register Prosperity in the Park 2019 a RAMHP mentioned https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/6433850/crowds- success despite the weather entertained-at-prosperity-in-the-park/#slide=0

28 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

11.10.2019 Lithgow Mercury Comedy night to be held for locals RAMHP Coordinator Sonia https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6431927/council- to come together during the Cox matters-hartley-picnic-under-the-stars-comedy-night/ drought 14.10.2019 Bhekisisa Life on a hotter earth: Depression, We-Yarn and CRRMH https://bhekisisa.org/features/long-form-features/2019-10-14- drought & decolonising mental depression-drought-and-decolonising-mental-health/ health 14.10.2019 Bega District News One book – one community RAMHP Coordinator Jennie https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/6437233/books-are- Keioskie interviewed powerful-project-aims-to-bring-people-together-through- literature/

14.10.2019 The Daily Examiner Our Healthy Clarence- a model for CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.crrmh.com.au/search/?kw=our+healthy+clarence (subscription only) wellbeing Perkins

15.10.2019 ABC Rural Report International Day of the Rural RAMHP Coordinator Camilla No link Woman Kenny 16.10.2019 Glen Innes Examiner Fifth rural women's day out a great RAMHP Coordinator Letitia https://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/6439545/fifth-rural- success Cross womens-day-out-a-great-success/

17.10.2019 Bellingen Shire Courier ‘Share your Journey’ at the free RAMHP mentioned https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/6442059/free- Sun Bellingen Community BBQ barbeque-offers-chance-to-share-your-fire-stories-and-more/ 17.10.2019 Southern Highland Times Local Leaders| Wollondilly CWA: RAMHP mentioned https://www.southernhighlandnews.com.au/story/6443950/sconv Sconeversations can assist our ersation-assists-our-mental-health/ mental health 17.10.2019 North Coast PHN INFO: What you need to know if RAMHP Coordinator Steve https://ncphn.org.au/archives/media/mental-health-support-for- you are fire affected Carrigg bush-fire-affected-residents

17.10.2019 The Northern Star INFO: What you need to know if RAMHP Coordinator Steve https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/info-what-you-need-to- you are fire-affected Carrigg know-if-you-are-fire-affecte/3856870/

18.10.2019 Mudgee Guardian Landcare| Resilient Farmers RAMHP mentioned https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/6438424/natural- project sequence-farm/

29 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

18.10.2019 Oberon Review Oberon Rotary | Let's talk honestly RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.oberonreview.com.au/story/6439422/oberon-rotary- about mental illness lets-talk-honestly-about-mental-illness/?cs=1495

18.10.2019 Fresh Air Daily Successful farmers long lunch at RAMHP Coordinator Sonia https://www.bluemts.com.au/news/successful-farmers-long- Capertee Cox lunch-at-capertee/?FAD-news

18.10.2019 The Land Healthy living in focus at RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6443108/healthy-living-in- Australian National Field Days focus-at-australian-national-field-days/

18.10.2019 Western Magazine Decision making and How Are You RAMHP Coordinator No link Going? poster Camilla Kenny interviewed

19.10.2019 Daily Liberal Decision making and How Are You RAMHP Coordinator No link Going? poster Camilla Kenny interviewed

21.10.2019 The Daily Liberal, Rural Adversity Mental Health RAMHP Coordinator https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6447894/help- Western Magazine Program is offering tips to deal Camilla Kenny when-facing-tough-choices-and-stress/?cs=1549 with tough decisions and stress 22.10.2019 Yass Tribune Some tips to boost your mental RAMHP Coordinator Judy https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/6450790/some-tips-to- wellbeing Carmody boost-your-wellbeing/ 23.10.2019 About Regional ‘One Book One Community’ turns RAMHP Coordinator Jen https://aboutregional.com.au/one-book-one-community-turns- Bega Valley into one big book club Keioskie bega-valley-into-one-big-book-club/

24.10.2019 Canowindra Phoenix Mental Health trivia night in RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link Canowindra

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

25.10.2019 About Regional One book, one community RAMHP Coordinator Jennie https://aboutregional.com.au/one-book-one-community-turns- Keioskie interviewed bega-valley-into-one-big-book-club/

30 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

25.10.2019 ABC Country Hour The importance of taking care of RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link mental and physical health interviewed

30.10.2019 In The Loop newsletter CRRMH named 2019 Organisation CRRMH https://uonstaff.sharepoint.com/sites/IntheLoop/SitePages/Centr (University of Newcastle) of the Year e-for-Rural-and-Remote-Mental-Health-named-2019- Organisation-of-the-Year.aspx?from=DigestNotification 30.10.2019 Mail and Guardian Drought, depression and We-Yarn mentioned https://mg.co.za/article/2019-10-29-00-drought-depression-and- decolonisation decolonisation 30.10.2019 The Northern Daily Baggy Blues to visit Tamworth and RAMHP https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6465976/baggy- Leader Inverell as NSW government blues-to-tour-tamworth-as-funds-flow-for-mental-health/ announces $1.2 million mental health funding

31.10.2019 Queensland Life, The It's not too weak to speak Di Gill at the Australian https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6466161/its-not- Land, Stock and Land, National Field Days weak-to-speak/?cs=4790 Western Magazine, Stock Journal November 2.11.2019 Lithgow Mercury Residents and farmers come RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6471504/fun-and- together at Picnic Under the Stars laughter-for-residents-and-farmers-in-hartley-photos/ event 4.11.2019 Far West in Focus GBG launch RAMHP Coordinator Marie No link Kelly 5.11.2019 Parkes Champion Post Series of free Ag and Chat morning RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/6475000/ag-and- teas coming to Central West chat-morning-teas-coming-to-a-rural-community-near-you/ communities 6.11.2019 Western Magazine, Series of free Ag and Chat morning RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6477273/ag-and- Nyngan Observer, teas coming to Central West chat-morning-teas-coming-to-a-rural-community-near- Canowindra News communities you/?cs=12034&sfns=mo 7.11.2019 Canowindra Phoenix Series of free Ag and Chat morning RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill On file teas coming to Central West communities

31 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

13.11.2019 Lithgow Mercury Hampton to host family afternoon RAMHP mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6478009/hampton-to- of activities and farming host-family-afternoon-of-activities-and-farming-presentations/ presentations 15.11.2019 Guardian News, Liberal Mental health help is on offer for RAMHP https://www.nambuccaguardian.com.au/story/6494469/mental- party of Australia, The fire ravaged communities health-help-is-on-offer-for-fire-ravaged-communities/ Macleay Argus, Guardian News, Nambucca Guardian News 15.11.2019 ABC Radio PM Coping with bushfires RAMHP Coordinator Steve https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/mental-health-first- Carrigg aid-for-people-affected-by-bushfires/11709926

16.11.2019 Namoi Valley Independent Mental health support coming to RAMHP mentioned https://www.nvi.com.au/story/6494539/support-free-health- Spring Ridge checks-at-spring-ridge-whats-on/

17.11.2019 The Land (plus 125 Disaster welfare help for people RAMHP mentioned https://www.theland.com.au/story/6493924/fire-trauma-can- newspapers across NSW) coping with fires creep-up-once-adrenalin-dies-down/

18.11.2019 ABC Western Plains Benefit of social events to mental RAMHP Coordinator Camilla No link wellbeing and help seeking Kenny interviewed 18.11.2019 Gilgandra Weekly and Tooraweenah Resilience and RAMHP mentioned No link Toora Bungles Wellbeing Event 18.11.2019 Gilgandra Weekly and Collie Womens Wellbeing RAMHP mentioned No link Warren Weekly Workshop

19.11.2019 Great Lakes Advocate Council will continue to offer RAMHP mentioned https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/6497382/an- support and assistance important-news-bulletin-from-council/ 19.11.2019 PS News.com.au Helping hand for fire survivors RAMHP mentioned https://psnews.com.au/2019/11/19/helping-hand-for-fire- survivors/ 20.11.2019 Hit 107 Centrelink mobile service bus in RAMHP mentioned https://www.hit.com.au/story/centrelink-mobile-service-bus-in- Nana glen today nana-glen-today-145001

32 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

25.11.2019 ABC Central West Ag and chat morning tea – coping RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill MP3 on file with stress interviewed

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

26.11.2019 Yass Tribune (monthly Decide to make choices carefully RAMHP Coordinator Judy https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/6511207/decide-to-make- column) Carmody choices-carefully/?cs=1554 28.11.2019 ABC Newcastle Looking after your mental health RAMHP Manager Tessa No link following a bushfire Caton interviewed (pre- record) 27.11.2019 Great Lakes Advocate Mobile recovery units in Tuncurry RAMHP mentioned https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/6513621/help-is- and Nabiac available-as-the-region-recovers/ 27.11.2019 Grenfell Record What's new in Weddin – Ag Chat RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link morning tea 27.11.2019 ABC Far West RAMHP and GBG RAMHP Coordinator Marie No link Kelly interviewed 28.11.2019 Radio 2BS Bathurst Looking after your mental health RAMHP Manager Tessa No link following a bushfire Caton interviewed (live)

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

29.11.2019 Walcha News Women of the drought unpack the RAMHP Coordinator Letitia https://www.walchanewsonline.com.au/story/6512451/laughing- load at the Ex Services Club Cross it-off-in-walcha/

December 3.12.2019 Yass Tribune, Goulburn Take care of your mental health RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6523277/take-care- Post, Crookwell Gazette after a bushfire Caton of-your-mental-health-after-a-bushfire/

33 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

3.12.2019 Echo Netdaily Health comes first in fire crisis RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.echo.net.au/2019/12/health-comes-first-fire-crisis/ Caton

4.12.2019 UUU FM Mental health RAMHP Coordinator Alison No link Tye 5.12.2019 Forbes Advocate Looking at Landcare: Dates for a RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6528001/looking-at- cuppa or a clean-up landcare-dates-for-a-cuppa-or-a-clean-up/

5.12.2019 ABC Rural Hour Drought and staying connected RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link through Ag and Chat interviewed

6.12.2019 2NNUR Helping rural communities leading RAMHP Manager Tessa No link up to Christmas Caton 6.12.2019 The Daily Advertiser Drought will hurt rural communities RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uploads/Media-Article- but there are ways to help Caton Drought-will-hurt-rural-communities-but-there-are-ways-to- help_Daily-Advertiser_6-Dec-2019.pdf 6.12.2019 2MN RAMHP and men’s mental health RAMHP Coordinator Matt https://www.2nm.com.au/podcast-player/show/7446040-matt- Milne interviewed milne-coordinator-at-the-rural-adversity-mental-health- program/hunter-valley-today

10.12.2019 Bathurst Broadcaster – 10 ways to support rural RAMHP Manager Tessa No link live interview communities leading up to Caton interviewed Christmas 11.12.2019 Western Magazine Rotary project releases tension RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6535220/hope- amongst drought-stricken flows-from-project/ communities 12.10.2019 Dubbo Photo News Article on mental health – CRRMH RAMHP Manager Tessa No link responses Caton 12.12.2019 Parkes Champion Post Ag and Chat morning teas RAMHP mentioned https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/6539784/importa and Forbes Advocate nt-dates-for-landcare/?cs=1496

34 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: October – December 2019 Appendix 6: Media Activity

12.12.2019 The Gloucester Advocate Drought resources in town RAMHP mentioned https://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/story/6528369/drought- resources-in-town/?cs=435 16.12.2019 2WEB Outback Mental health at Christmas and RAMHP Coordinator No link review of 2019 Camilla Kenny interviewed 17.12.2019 Wauchope Gazette Rural Adversity Mental Health RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/6546916/prioritise- Program says look after yourself Caton your-mental-health-after-bushfires/

17.12.2019 Yass Tribune (monthly How to support rural communities RAMHP Program https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/6546897/times-are-tough- column) Coordinator Judy Carmody how-can-you-support-rural-communities/ 18.12.2019 The Land Ten ways to support rural RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.theland.com.au/story/6549906/10-ways-to-support- communities in NSW Caton rural-communities/ 19.12.2019 Manning River Times Taking care of your mental health RAMHP Program Manager https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/6549242/taking- following a bushfire Tessa Caton care-of-your-mental-health-following-a-bushfire/

19.12.2019 Cootamundra Herald Cootamundra to host NSW Baggy RAMHP mentioned https://www.cootamundraherald.com.au/story/6548273/cootamu Blues ndra-to-host-nsw-baggy-blues/ 20.12.2019 Camden Haven Courier Rural Adversity Mental Health RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.camdencourier.com.au/story/6550007/prioritise- Program says look after yourself Caton your-mental-health-after-bushfires/

21.12.2019 Port Macquarie News Rural Adversity Mental Health RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6552829/prioritise-your- Program says look after yourself Caton mental-health-after-bushfires/

21.12.2019 The Land This year CWA returned to its roots RAMHP Sconversations https://www.theland.com.au/story/6554317/this-year-cwa- in a big way campaign mentioned returned-to-its-roots-in-a-big-way/

22.12.2019 Great Lakes Advocate Taking care of mental health RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/6552181/taking- following a bushfire Caton care-of-mental-health-after-bushfire/ 22.12.2019 The Land Fires, drought put mental health RAMHP Coordinator Orry https://www.theland.com.au/story/6555116/helping-hands-for- under the microscope Berry those-out-on-the-frontline/ 23.12.2019 Newcastle Herald plus 82 10 ways to support rural RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.areanews.com.au/story/6550662/10-ways-to- regional newspapers communities in NSW at Christmas Caton support-rural-communities/ and beyond

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

RAMHP QUARTERLY UPDATE OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019 RAMHP Quarterly Update Report, October – December 2019

RAMHP Quarterly Update Report: October – December 2019

This report is intended to provide an update for our key stakeholders on the work being undertaken by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP). It is intended that this report will be emailed to key stakeholders and also available on the Program’s website and that of the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health. Please email comments or questions to: [email protected].

Table of Contents

Section Page Number

General RAMHP Program Updates 3

Data Considerations 16

RAMHP Updates by Program Component 17

LINK 17

TRAIN 23

INFORM 25

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

General RAMHP Program Updates

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program – Tessa Caton

RAMHP Program Updates • RAMHP Coordinators, Camilla Herbig, Kate Arndell and Kylie Atkinson presented at the Australian Rural & Remote Symposium • A 35% increase in the number of people linked to care occurred in Adelaide. They joined with CRRMH Team that launched the between Oct-Dec 2019. This is largely due to the RAMHP response Orange Declaration to the bushfires across the Mid North Coast, Hunter New England • Animal welfare remains a strong priority across the state, with the and North Coast areas of NSW. drought causing severe water shortages. RAMHP Coordinators • Compounding adversity remains a common issue across NSW with received a presentation from DPI’s Animal Welfare group. RAMHP Coordinators assisting both drought and bushfire affected communities People Updates • RAMHP Coordinators on the North and Mid North Coast worked • Interviews were conducted to establish a RAMHP Coordinator with LHD management and the Office of Emergency position in Armidale. Results of recruitment will be known in early Management to plan longer term disaster recovery projects 2020 • A number of major resources were launched by the RAMHP Team • Approval was obtained to establish an additional RAMHP Coordinator including: position in the Far West LHD. Recruitment will commence in early • 8th Edition of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health 2020 • You Got This Mate Website; and • Unfortunately, Project Officer Elise Taylor and RAMHP Coordinator • Lived experience videos Sarah Green left us in November and December. We wish them all • The NSW Government also launched the Mental Health & Drought the best in their next chapter. Sports Fund. This fund will be supporting the 2020 Rural Mental Health Cricket Tour, organised by RAMHP & the Baggy Blues Report 4 Highlights • RAMHP Coordinator, Orry Berry attended the Unicef Youth Drought Summit, supporting the young Indigenous attendees. • 806 People Linked to Care • A number of Statewide mental health literacy training projects between Oct – Dec 2019 continued, including: • Completion of Water NSW rollout • 106 Training Courses were • Essential Energy delivered to 3,005 participants • Department of Industry, Planning & Environment between Oct – Dec 2019

• 203 Community Events were | 3 attended by RAMHP Coordinators between Oct – Dec 2019 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

General RAMHP Program Updates

RAMHP Communication Highlights– Jocelyn Johnston and Glove Box Guide to Mental Health Vol. 8 Lauren Dunkley Now in its eighth year, the award-winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health was officially launched on Thursday 3 October at the Agrestic The Communications team had another extremely busy quarter with the Grocer in Orange. launch of a new website, the release of two Lived Experience videos and the publication of the 2019 Glove Box Guide to Mental Health. The 64- page Guide, a joint partnership between The Land and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) shares personal stories of You Got This Mate: A dedicated rural men's mental health website how people cope with and adapt to change as well as where people can During November, the RAMHP team completed the first stage of the find help for their mental health concerns when they need it. You Got This Mate website. You Got This Mate provides action-focussed tips and information to With NSW in the grip of prolonged drought, the theme this year is help rural men reach their best possible mental health. ‘Journey Through Change’ highlighting the many and varied changes people go through in rural Australia – At Home, At Work, In The Designed in close consultation with RAMHP’s Rural Men’s Resource Community, as well as Where To Get Help. Advisory Group, the website is visually appealing to men, easy to navigate and comprises appropriate content, language and tone suitable Responding to Bushfire Crisis in Mid and Northern NSW to a rural male audience. During November and December many communities along the East Coast of NSW and inland were devastated by bushfires. RAMHP have Lived Experience Videos been responding to media requests for information and comment along Two of the Lived Experience videos which were shot during August with launching a social media campaign to disseminate information have been finalised and were released on social media and on the new about how to keep well during and following a disaster, and when a You Got This Mate website. A third video will be finalised in January and person should seek professional help. A dedicated page was also will be released across RAMHP's communication platforms. View developed for the RAMHP website which compiles all the resources, Andrew's and Kaiden's videos on YouTube. information and support services individuals and communities may need when experiencing and recovering from bushfire.

| 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 Events Lauren Dunkley Glove Box Guide to Mental Health RAMHP eNewsletters Across the state, RAMHP Coordinators launched the latest edition of RAMHP released two eNewsletters during this period. the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health to their local communities. In Orange, the official launch was held at the Agrestic Grocer on the 3rd The October/November edition, 'Let's Talk' about men's mental health, of October. The evening event was well attended by community was delivered to 1,345 recipients and had a 33.9% open rate. This representatives which included the Orange Mayor, staff from The Land, edition focused the freshly released 2019 edition of the Glovebox Guide local service providers and individuals interetsed in progressing the to Mental Health and the launch of RAMHP's new targeted men's awareness of mental health. The event was convered in the media and mental health website You Got This Mate . Click here to view the also served as a celebration for the RAMHP project staff who had spent October/November eNewsletter. many months preparing material for the Guide.

The December/Christmas edition, Merry Christmas and What's NEW, was delivered to 1,434 recipients and had an open rate of 27.9%. This edition provided an overview of RAMHP's work throughout 2019, launched two new Lived Experience videos and included a Christmas greeting. Click here to view the December/Christmas eNewsletter.

Website During this quarter the RAMHP website received 6,530 website sessions (+37.46%) The average website session was 2:26 mins. .

The top 5 pages were as follows: 1. Homepage – 3,157 views 2. Downloadable Resources – 879 views 3 Find a RAMHP Coordinator – 751 views 4. About Us– 519 views 5. About Us; Meet the Team – 514 views

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

General RAMHP Program Updates

Drought Events Across NSW RAMHP Coordinators have been heavily invloved in drought events with the aim of promoting strategies for maintaining positive mental health, highlighting the help services available in local communities and identifying individuals who required linking to care. Events included 'Ag 'n Chat' morning teas in the Central West, Connection with Community dinner and lunch events in Hunter New England, 'Sconversation' morning teas, drought relief information nights and Drought Communities One Stop Shops road shows. All events were strongly supported by RAMHP communications and media resources.

Launch of Social Media Videos During November and December, RAMHP launched regular social media videos. Filmed by Coordinators while out in the 'field', the short videos address common mental health queries and/or strategies to keep mentally well. In November, Phil spoke about what a normal response to a disaster is and during December Camilla talked about why connections are important for keeping well.

Program Manager, Tessa Caton, also provided a video wrap-up of RAMHP's achievments during 2019.

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

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Newspaper Insert Campaign During this Quarter the team were also busy planning and implementing The poster was also inserted into 12,000 copies of the 2019 issue of the a campaign to support local newspapers in drought affected areas as Country Web newsletter, which is produced by the NSW Rural Women’s well as promote RAMHP and our How Are You Going? poster. So far Network. This year's edition celebrates rural women turning their 73,450 inserts have been included in various newspapers in drought- passions into professions. affected communities. Editorial focussing on ‘Decision making and stress’ and promoting local RAMHP Coordinator details was also included in some newspapers. This project continues to be rolled out to a few remaining areas in regional NSW. Considering the bushfire emergencies, editorial content has changed to focus to on self-care after natural disasters.

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Media Highlights The following three issues were published in October, November and December Media coverage of RAMHP was positive and widespread in Q4. • October - Wellbeing and You Topics include the launch of the Glove Box Guide, tips on decision • November – Decision making and stress making and stress, tips on mental health care following a bushfire, • December –Supporting rural communities leading up to the Baggy Blues tour, Ag and Chat morning teas and ways to support Christmas rural communities leading up to Christmas. This quarter the team sent out the following media releases:

10 ways to support rural communities leading up to Christmas Monday, December 9, 2019 Taking care of your mental health following a bushfire Thursday, November 28, 2019 Community wellbeing approach delivers positive results Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Award winning Glove Box Guide to Mental Health launches Thursday, October 3, 2019

The media release ’10 ways to support rural communities in NSW leading up to Christmas’ was printed in over 83 regional newspapers and RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton was also interviewed by a number of radio outlets. Some examples of key media activity are presented in Table 1 on the The media release ‘Taking care of your mental health following a following page. Please note this is a sample only. bushfire’ also had a good pick up with over 8 newspaper articles and The full list for October-December can be seen in Appendix A of the a number of radio interviews with RAMHP Program Manager Tessa CRRMH Quarterly Report. Caton.

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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 Topic Spokesperson Link Outlet

1.10.2019 YouTube video Mental Health Matters RAMHP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_f- Rainbow Inclusion Award Coordinator Jennie N2LQxwE 2019 - Rainbow Waves Keioskie Festival Committee 4.10.2019 The Land News Glove Box Guide to Mental RAMHP Manager Tessa https://www.theland.com.au/story/6421 Health Launch Caton and the Land Editor 576/the-glove-box-guide-launches/ Andrew Norris 4.10.2019 Central Western Daily Mental health toolbox CRRMH, Tessa, Di Gill and https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au launched with The Land at David Perkins /story/6421492/mental-health-guide- the Agrestic Grocer launched-with-the-land-at-the-agrestic- grocer-photos/

8.10.2019 Forbes Advocate, Cowra Doing it tough – support RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/sto Guardian available in the Central ry/6420235/doing-it-tough-support- West available-in-central-west

9.10.2019 Port Macquarie News Rural Adversity Mental RAMHP Coordinator Orry https://www.portnews.com.au/story/641 Health Program can help Berry 8574/rural-mental-health-support- when times get tough when-times-get-tough/

14.10.2019 The Daily Examiner Our Healthy Clarence- a CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.crrmh.com.au/content/uplo (subscription only) model for wellbeing Perkins ads/Media-Article_Our-Healthy- Clarence-a-model-for- | 9 well_being_2019.pdfnce General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component

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Date Media Topic Spokesperson Link Outlet 17.10.2019 North Coast PHN INFO: What you need to know RAMHP https://ncphn.org.au/archives/media/mental- if you are fire affected Coordinator health-support-for-bush-fire-affected- Steve Carrigg residents

18.10.2019 Fresh Air Daily Successful farmers long lunch RAMHP https://www.bluemts.com.au/news/successful- at Capertee Coordinator farmers-long-lunch-at-capertee/?FAD-news Sonia Cox 21.10.2019 The Daily Liberal, Rural Adversity Mental Health RAMHP https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6 Western Magazine Program is offering tips to deal Coordinator 447894/help-when-facing-tough-choices-and- with tough decisions and Camilla Kenny stress/?cs=1549 stress

22.10.2019 Yass Tribune Some tips to boost your mental RAMHP https://www.yasstribune.com.au/story/645079 wellbeing Coordinator 0/some-tips-to-boost-your-wellbeing/ Judy Carmody 30.10.2019 The Northern Daily Baggy Blues to visit Tamworth RAMHP https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/ Leader and Inverell as NSW 6465976/baggy-blues-to-tour-tamworth-as- government announces $1.2 funds-flow-for-mental-health/ million mental health funding 31.10.2019 Queensland Life, The It's not too weak to speak RAMHP https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/stor Land, Stock and Land, Coordinator Di y/6466161/its-not-weak-to-speak/?cs=4790 Western Magazine, Gill Stock Journal

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Date Media Topic Spokesperson Link Outlet 15.11.2019 ABC Radio PM Coping with bushfires RAMHP Coordinator https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/ment Steve Carrigg al-health-first-aid-for-people-affected-by- bushfires/11709926

29.11.2019 Walcha News Women of the drought RAMHP Coordinator https://www.walchanewsonline.com.au/story/651 unpack the load at the Ex Letitia Cross 2451/laughing-it-off-in-walcha/ Services Club

3.12.2019 Yass Tribune, Take care of your mental RAMHP Manager https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6523 Goulburn Post, health after a bushfire Tessa Caton 277/take-care-of-your-mental-health-after-a- Crookwell Gazette bushfire/

6.12.2019 Radio 2MN RAMHP and men’s mental RAMHP Coordinator https://www.2nm.com.au/podcast- health Matt Milne player/show/7446040-matt-milne-coordinator-at- interviewed the-rural-adversity-mental-health- program/hunter-valley-today

17.12.2019 Wauchope Gazette Rural Adversity Mental RAMHP Manager https://www.wauchopegazette.com.au/story/654 Health Program says look Tessa Caton 6916/prioritise-your-mental-health-after- after yourself bushfires/

23.12.2019 Newcastle Herald plus 10 ways to support rural RAMHP Manager https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6550 83 regional communities in NSW at Tessa Caton 662/10-ways-to-support-rural-communities/ newspapers Christmas and beyond

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RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley

The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Facebook page.

Table 2: Overview of RAMHP’s Facebook Page Statistics, Oct. – Dec. 2019

Statistic Impact

413 new likes were achieved during this period, bringing the total • Number of likes increased by 21.6% number of likes to 2316

Post Publishing this quarter was 113 • This quarter featured posts on the launch of the new 'You Got This Mate' website, multiple posts on coping with bushfire disaster, a very popular post of the How Are You Going Poster, and 2 RAMHP Coordinator videos which addressed the importance of staying connected with community and normal emotional responses to disaster. Engagement with posts: • Total engagements were up by 37.2% − Reactions 5188 • Posts that attracted high engagement included a post about how people can best support those affected by bushfires, − Comments 310 information about charity organisation GivIt, Kate Arndell and − Shares 1347 Camilla Herbig's recorded presentation to Australia and New Zealand Rural Mental Health Symposium, and the newly − Link Clicks 401 released lived experience video of Kaiden Powell..

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RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley

The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Twitter page.

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

Statistic Impact

29 (+5.7%) new followers were achieved during this period, bringing • RAMHP’s Twitter audience continues to increase the total number to 540

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

35 Tweets during this period: − Post Link Clicks • Engagement has increased by 14.8% this quarter. − Replies 4 − Retweets 59 − Tweet Likes158

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RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley

The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Instagram page.

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

Statistic Impact

90 new followers (+31.91%) were achieved during this period, • RAMHP’s reach on social media continues to grow bringing the total to 372.

Post Publishing this quarter was 25 during this period • Publishing frequency has been reliably consistent throughout the period for the newly launched Instagram account.

Engagement with 25 posts: − Likes 602 • Engagement increased by 0.8% during this period. − Comments 14 − Saves 5 − Impressions 11415

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Data Considerations

This Report 4 represents the fourth period of data collected using the RAMHP App in 2019. There are a number of considerations which must be taken into account when interpreting the results of this Report. These include:

• Annual leave taken by RAMHP Coordinators during the reporting period may impact on their data presented in the Report.

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

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How Many People Were Linked?

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

123

130 156

683 469 Number of Links Number of 422

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

Linked someone to services/resources to help someone else Linked someone to services/resources for themselves • From October – December 2019, 806 people were linked to mental • The majority of links (n=683, 85%) were people seeking health support services or resources by RAMHP Coordinators. This assistance for themselves. represents a 35% increase from last quarter.

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How Did Linking Take Place?

Chart 2: Proportion of Links Oct. – Dec. 2019, by Method of Linkage • During October – December 2019, the largest number of links took place when RAMHP Coordinators attended community 9% events (n=95, 34%). 4% • A considerable proportion of linkages also occurred by 6% providing advice to other professionals (n=48, 17%) and 34% through RAMHP training (n=45, 16%).

13%

17% 16%

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=278). 528 cases were not included as they were group links i.e. when a number of people are linked at the same time for a specific issue. | 18 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. 2019, 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 30% 43% 0% 67% 44% 0% 13% 12% 100% 46% 34% or meeting

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

I provided linking advice to a professional in my 16% 0% 0% 14% 22% 0% 20% 26% 0% 14% 17% partnerships/networks

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

The ‘person in need’ works for a service in my 22% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 7% 8% 0% 0% 6% partnerships/networks

The ‘person in need’ was referred 0% 0% 0% 8% 0% 0% 11% 0% 0% 3% 4% from another service

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

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

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What Symptoms Or Issues Were RAMHP Coordinators Assisting With?

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

Symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder 66

Grief and loss 77

Work or financial concerns 82

Physical health concerns 84

Relationship concerns 87

Other 93

Change in behaviour 169

Drought 210

Disaster or adverse event 397

Stress 409

Number of Times a Symptom is Selected

• The 10 most common issues or symptoms RAMHP Coordinators • The issue drought (n=210) moved from second place for the first assisted with are presented above. More than one issue or symptom time since this measure was first reported in August 2018. Disaster can be selected for each person linked (N=1,919). or adverse event (n=397) was the second most frequent issue reported, most likely reflecting the Coordinators’ contact with • The most common issue or symptom was stress (n=409). people affected by fires. Data specifically on RAMHP’s fire response will be reported in next quarterly report.

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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. 2019

Housing assistance service 2 Education support services 4 Alcohol or Other Drug Service 4 Child protection services 11 Youth services 35 Farmgate 35 Other 39 Employment support services 43 Family or relationship service 45 Carer support service 46 CMHT 55 Material or financial assistance service 62 Social worker 62 Non-Gov MH Team 72 Social support group 79 Emergency services 144 Private specialist 179 MH Line or Accessline 247 Rural assistance services 254 Website information, online therapy or e-mental health 304 Other mental health telephone support service 422 GP 482 I provided strategies 497 Printed information 657 Number of Times a Suggestion was Given

• RAMHP Coordinators usually provide more than one type of • This quarter saw a considerable increases in recommendations support or resource when they link (N=3,781). for printed information (up 42%), telephone helplines (up 65%) and emergency services (up 88%). This is likely to reflect • The most common support or resources provided by RAMHP the Coordinators’ response to the fires. Coordinators were printed information (n=657, 17%), practical strategies (n=497, 13%) and GP (n=482, 13%).

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Coordinators’ Stories From Those We Help: Fires

I visited businesses in an area affected by the I met a veterinarian who is experiencing fires to see how people were coping. I met a constant worry about the welfare of woman who was experiencing mild trauma - wildlife and domestic animals affected by intrusive thinking, trouble sleeping and the bushfires. I linked them to their GP, 'catastrophising' events that "could have" telephone support, online services and happened as a consequence of the bushfires. I provided print information and practical I spoke with a woman who was provided information about phone and online strategies. experiencing symptoms of hyper services, suggested they access a social vigilance and worry about what support group and I provided strategies. could have happened to family members in the wake of the bushfires that raged through the area. I provided printed information and recommended online support. I was approached by a Red Cross responder, new to her position helping people affected by the bushfires. She sought information about I spoke with a man who was exhausted from available services, and I gave her Glove Box the fires and smoke. He was really anxious Guides, a DPI Primary Producers Assistance about climate change. We had a long talk Guide, HRUG posters and contact details for and I provided some websites and a copy of other RAMHP Coordinators. She was I spoke with a woman who was the Glove Box Guide. He plans to reconnect particularly interested in knowing how to engage discharged from a mental health with family as a result of this tragedy. people in accessing services and how to have facility. She presented to the difficult conversations about mental health. evacuation centre as her home perished in the bushfire. I linked her to the Community Mental Health Team.

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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, Apr. – Dec. 2019 Apr. – Dec. 2019

142 134 23 7 4 13 28 106 23 7 9

28 61 3,705 56 3,044 3,005

25 Number of Training Courses

31 28 26 Number of Training Participants

10 8 8 Apr-Jun 2019 Jul-Sep 2019 Oct-Dec 2019 Apr-Jun 2019 Jul-Sep 2019 Oct-Dec 2019 Quarter Total number of training participants across all training courses

CSS WSS HISS TT MHFA W&Y VW GTD Total

• From October – December 2019, 106 training courses were • RAMHP Coordinators delivered training to 3,005 participants this delivered by RAMHP Coordinators. quarter.

• The most common training courses delivered were Mental Health • On average each course contained 28 participants. First Aid (n=28, 26%), Tailored Training (n=25, 24%), and Workplace Support Skills (n=26, 25%).

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Who Did RAMHP Coordinators Train?

Chart 7: Number of Training Courses, Audience Type, Oct. – Dec. 2019 • Training courses were predominantly comprised of general General Community Members 17 community members (n=17, 16%), community group or organisations (n=13, 12%) and other government or Community group or organisation 13 council staff (n=13, 12%).

Other government or council 13

Primary industry 9 Examples of Organisations Trained

Other Private Business 9 • Stormtech • GenTech Seeds Mental health 7 • NSW Police • Orange City Council Physical health (eg medical) 7 • Cooinda Court Nursing Home • Sapphire Physio Heavy industry 7 • Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council

Education 6 • University of New England Audience Type • HNECC PHN Practice Nurses and Admin

Other 5 • Local Health District Palliative Volunteers • Guyra Rotary Mixed welfare services 5 • Uniting Church in Australia • THALES Australia Youth 2 • Department of Fair Trading • Essential Energy Police or emergency services 2

Housing 2

Employment 1

Consumers (of mental health and other services) 1

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What Audiences Were Reached Through Community Events?

Chart 8: Coordinator Attendance at Community Events, by Audience Type, Oct. – Dec. 2019 • RAMHP Coordinators attended a large number of farming (n=60,

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

Farming 60 • General community events included Trusted Advocates Information in Coonabarabran, Prosperity in the Park in Nowra, Designing

Women 7 Resilience Actions Workshop in Warren and the Human Services truck roadshow in Wilcannia.

Health staff 5 • RAMHP Coordinators had direct contact with 3,410 visitors at events.

Service Providers 6

Council staff 4

Aboriginal 2

Men 2 AudienceType

Carers 2

Youth 1

Education 2

Elderly 1

Fire Response 1

EPA staff 1

Coordinator Attendance at Community Events | 25 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]