Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
Quarterly Report April to June 2018 About the CRRMH
The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) is based in Orange NSW and is a major rural initiative of the University of Newcastle and the NSW Ministry of Health. Our staff are located across rural and remote NSW.
The Centre is committed to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural and remote communities. We focus on the following key areas:
• the promotion of good mental health and the prevention of mental illness;
• developing the mental health system to better meet the needs of people living in rural and remote regions; and
• understanding and responding to rural suicide.
As the Australian Collaborating Centre for the Integrated Foundation for Integrated Care, we promote patient-centred rather than provider- focused care that integrates mental and physical health concerns. As part of the University of Newcastle, all of our activities are underpinned by research evidence and evaluated to ensure appropriateness and effectiveness
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health T +61 2 6363 8444 E [email protected] Collation and editing of reports by Rosie Dunnett, Admin Officer
2 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 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 13
Good SPACE 15
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program 16
Staff Achievements, Training and Development 17
Appendix 19
3 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Director’s Report Prof David Perkins, Director
Someone once suggested that it is a “bad sign” if you go on doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. I noticed looking through this report that one theme amongst many is the increasing role of international connections, learning from our international fiends and hopefully, contributing to their learning.
I have thought for many years that leading international examples of best practice must happen somewhere and why not here? As the leading Australian regional university we build on and contribute to world’s best practice in a number of fields. Increasingly the CRRMH is making an international contribution and learning from the best.
Our research is submitted to International journals which means going through the process of international peer review and we often act as reviewers for international journals. In this report we mention papers by Dr Tonelle Handley on predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviours and another by Dr Scott Fitzpatrick on an innovative primary mental health service in Mudgee NSW.
Our programs such as the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, Good Space and We-Yarn are designed using the best international evidence and presented at international conferences. In May, Fiona Livingstone travelled to the International Association for Suicide Prevention in New Zealand to describe the We-Yarn program to a global audience.
We play a leading role in international movements such as the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) which promotes the understanding, adoption and practice of patient centred integrated care. Dr Hazel Dalton presented research conducted in the Central Coast of NSW to an international conference in the Dutch city of Utrecht.
We are also increasingly attracting international visitors to Orange and in the quarter we welcomed Prof Joan Bottorff from the University of British Colombia in Canada and we are expecting a follow up visit from Canada next year.
The purpose of our international engagement is to bring the best international experience to our region and to share our best research and experience in rural NSW.
I hope you enjoy reading the report.
4 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au CRRMH $360,787 granted new membership of Mental research Health funding Australia This Collective New blog Speaker quarter posts on Series - Rural social media Suicide and its Prevention in a forum hosted snapshot
International Association Six papers for Suicide Prevention in published NZ – learnings of We-Yarn
International 2,464 Association for Suicide followers Prevention in NZ – May across 2018 Facebook
5 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Research
On 23-25 May, Director Prof David Perkins and Senior Research Leader Dr Hazel Dalton presented at the 18th International Foundation for Integrated Care Conference in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Prize winners were announced as the 2017 Glove Box Guide to Mental Health Evaluation Survey wrapped up demonstrating the importance of looking after our individual and community mental health.
Dr Kris Gottschall travelled to Six papers published Nyngan planning the rollout of A new search tool was developed to help the Virtual Dementia Friendly support easier access to internationally published Rural Community (VERILY) $ 360,787 new funding work on different aspects of integrated care. project.
For more detailed information, see Appendix 1-4 Compiled by Lucy McEvoy, Research Assistant
6 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au John Hoskins Library
The period Apr-Jun 2018 proved to be a busier period than January-March 2018. Visitor numbers were up from 240 to 345 with an increase in patient numbers from 15 to 117. Student numbers doubled from 30 to 60. Article requests increased overall from 608 to 760 with the CRRMH articles supplied increasing from 173 to 196 and Western NSW Local Health District requests almost doubling from 380 to 509. Literature searches increased overall from 42 to 51. Inter Library Loans slightly increased. Other training for this period increased from 138 to 257 participants. Please see appendix 5 detailed information.
The Library Collections Committee There was a Library Collections Committee meeting held on 7th of June, which discussed issues including new resource suggestions, the continuation of library orientation for students and staff and ongoing training in the wards. Rebecca Lee accepted the nomination to replace Peter Warren as clinical psychologist on the Library Collections Committee.
Publications Publications were regularly checked during this period. They have recently been updated.
Library Promotion There was a number of library promotion measures during this period. The library was promoted through book displays, with new items on display on 4 April and 12 June. The librarian has been working with the Communications team to improve the promotion of library services, including using social media for displays and updating the look of the “Daily News Alerts.” There was a special display for Drug Action Week between the 11th and 17th of June, promoted on social media. Regular emails on library services, including orientations, library database training and Endnote were circulated to CRRMH and heath staff.
Daily News Alerts & Journal Table of Contents Daily News Alerts remains a popular feature of library services at John Hoskin Library available through subscription on our websites. In June, 2018, the subscription list was updated to adhere to international privacy laws. This provided an opportunity to redesign the email in line with CRRMH brand changes. It is available for subscription through the CRRMH and the RAMHP websites. There is also a regular Table of Contents email distributed to Western NSWLHD and CRRMH staff which outlines the new journal articles available.
SharePoint The library files have been audited and re-named in readiness for the move of all files to SharePoint where the Library will have a sub-site. Compiled by Paul Stanfield, Librarian
7 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Connections
Presentation to State Parliament In April, Prof David Perkins and RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton presented to rural Members of Parliament at Parliament House in Sydney. Discussions centred around access to health and mental health services in rural and remote areas. NSW Minister for Mental Health The Hon. Tanya Davies chaired the session, with those attending discussing how the CRRMH and RAMHP can work with rural communities to become more mentally healthy and access services. Also presenting was NSW Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Murray Wright, Flourish CEO Mark Orr and Deputy Secretary, Strategy and Resources at the NSW Ministry of Health, Dr Nigel Lyons.
Andrew Gee acknowledges CRRMH and RAMHP in Parliament “The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health in the On 21 May, federal Member for Calare Mr Andrew Gee MP made positive mention of the Calare electorate is another wonderful country community CRRMH and RAMHP in a speech regarding mental health in Federation Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. The speech was in response to a rise in support of the organisation providing valuable community support to motion of the Member for Fisher, Mr Andrew Wallace MP. people in rural areas”. The full speech is available in Appendix 9
International visitor
The CRRMH was delighted to host Prof Joan Bottorff from the Faculty of Health and Social Development at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada as part of her visit to the University of Newcastle in April. Professor Bottorff is Director of UBC’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention and a faculty member in the School of Nursing. She has extensive expertise in qualitative research methods and is currently Editor-in-Chief of Global Qualitative Nursing Research (Sage). The visit included some engaging conversation and idea sharing around our mutual interest in rural health and health promotion.
8 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Connections (continued)
International Association for Suicide Prevention in NZ – May 2018 CRRMH Senior Advisor Trevor Hazell and Good SPACE Suicide Prevention Program Manager Fiona Livingstone attended the International Association for Suicide Prevention in New Zealand in May. Trevor and Fiona heard about recent suicide prevention research and community and clinical initiatives across the globe. Fiona had the opportunity to present the learnings of the We-Yarn (culturally-appropriate suicide prevention workshop for Aboriginal people) workshop, which was very well received.
Reconciliation event
CRRMH Research Assistant Kris Gottschall attended a reconciliation morning tea at Amaroo Ward on the Bloomfield campus in Orange on 5 June. An amazing mural (pictured) made by elders, Aunties, and patients in Amaroo Mental Health Ward as part of National Reconciliation Week was unveiled during the event.
Icare forum Some of the CRRMH team attended the icare NSW forum in Orange on 9 May looking at social connectedness for injured workers, an important aspect of building healthy rural communities. The forum provided a great opportunity to network, share ideas, and look at innovative ways to improve social connectedness for mental health and wellbeing.
Compiled by Vanessa Delaney, Senior Development Officer
9 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Communications
Overview This quarter saw a significant increase in media engagement largely due to the
. Rural Suicide and its Prevention Forum which we hosted with Collective Purpose Partners
. RAMHPs new wellbeing course for volunteers
. ongoing drought ,and
. NSW government’s announcement of drought funding support.
The team developed new resources, participated in communications sector planning sessions and introduced blog posts to help drive traffic to the website.
Brand We-Yarn brochure CRRMH cars branding A new resource was developed promoting The CRRMH cars have been our Aboriginal Suicide Prevention branded with the CRRMH and Program- We-Yarn. The brochure University of Newcastle logos to provides an overview of the program and increase brand awareness within is available to download on the CRRMH communities as we travel. Website
Networking
WSPD and RUOK Day? Planning Meeting On Tuesday, 15 May Communications Coordinator Jocelyn Johnston and Senior Project Officer Victoria Smyth attended a planning meeting in Sydney with communications colleagues across the mental health sector. The objective was to review 2017 World Suicide Prevention Day and R UOK? day campaigns and brainstorm campaigns for 2018. The short workshop was a great opportunity to network with colleagues and contribute to discussion and ideas. It was a reminder for the the sector of our networks and experience working in rural and remote mental health along with promoting our upcoming campaigns.
10 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Communications (continued)
Media . This quarter, the following media releases were circulated: . Orange chosen to host regional suicide prevention forum - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 . New training program supports volunteer wellbeing - Monday, May 21, 2018 . Budget 2018: Boost in rural mental health requires a regional planning focus -Wednesday, May 9, 2018
. Articles were also submitted to the Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth and the Western Magazine – Central West promoting the RAMHP program.
. Media releases are located on the News and Media page of the website.
Stakeholder Communications
Advertisements
A half page advertisement, developed in collaboration with a creative expert, was designed to promote RAMHP and RAMHP Coordinators. This will be included in the handout for the NSW Farmers Conference in July.
An advertisement was designed to promote the Collaborative Purpose Speakers Forum in Orange and encourage people to For a full list of media register. The ad ran for two consecutive days on the 7-8 June interactions this on the Central Western Daily website. quarter, please refer to Appendix 7
Compiled by Jocelyn Johnston, Communications Coordinator
11 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Online Connections
CRRMH Facebook followers increased by 12.9%, an increase CRRMH twitter @crrmhnsw followers increased by of 121 to 928 people engaging with the CRRMH. 5.3% with 37 new followers. The top post reached 47,500 with 7 retweets. Top Posts . Meet New RAMHP Project Officer Elise Taylor’ RAMHP twitter @ramhpnsw followers increased by . Melanie Meers’ blog post ‘Building Character for Learning’; 5.4% The top post reached 34,700 people with 7 retweets . Andrew McMahon’s blog post ‘Why MATES are important in rural and remote communities’. Blogs
RAMHP Facebook followers increased by 12%, an increase This quarter saw new blog posts which has increased traffic to our website. of 115 to 908 people engaging with RAMHP. The posts had significant engagement on social media.
Top Posts . Dusty Air and Barking Dogs by RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill . David Perkins interview with Channel nine about the drought, . Mens Health Week . What suicide prevention work means to me by Project Manager Good . Volunteer Week campaign. SPACE – Fiona Livingstone.
. What it means to experience a ‘volunteer’s high’ by CRRMH Greg Good SPACE Facebook followers increased by 40 Shapter followers to 628. . Sing when you’re singing by CRRMH Vic Smyth WEBSITE SNAPSHOT . Building character for learning: workshop with intention to transform lives April – June 2018 by Principal Anson Street School Melanie Meers
CRRMH website . Why mates are important in rural and remote communities by CEO Total site visits increased by 45% since last quarter, with MATES in mining Andrew McMahon 3,282 first time visitors.
RAMHP website Total site visits increased by 37% since last quarter, with 1,313 first time visitors. For more details see Appendix 6
12 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Partnerships
Industry Partnerships
Mental Health Australia The Centre was delighted to be advised on April 9 that they were granted membership of Mental Health Australia. We look forward to working with the national peak body representing the mental health sector in Australia in advocating to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
Black Dog Institute and Everymind On May 29 RAMHP Program Manager/Acting Director Tessa Caton attended the launch of The Prevention Hub at Parliament House; the result of a collaboration between the Black Dog Institute and Everymind. Launched by the Minister for Health the Hon Greg Hunt MP, The Prevention Hub will receive $5million in funding over two years to fund research into the prevention of anxiety and depression; particular areas will be workplace mental health, families and carers, and young people. The CRRMH is looking forward to partnering with the Black Dog Institute and Everymind to test interventions Prof Helen Christensen (Black Dog Institute), Tessa in rural and remote areas. Caton (CRRMH), Jaelea Skeahan (Everymind) and Gavin Hazel (Everymind) at the Prevention Hub launch Way Ahead Collective Purpose Speaker Series 2018 – Rural Suicide and its Prevention The CRRMH teamed up with Collective Purpose Partners, Way Ahead NSW Mental Health Carers and Being and Wellbeing Consumer Advisory Group to host a Rural Suicide and its Prevention forum as part of the Collective Speaker Series on 12 June in Orange. Approximately 50 people attended with many taking the opportunity to speak with the presenters over refreshments at the end of the evening. Way Ahead CEO Elizabeth Priestley focused on the importance of hearing the local community’s thoughts about creating effective local suicide prevention strategies. “We are happy to provide as much support to the facilitation of these vital community led discussions as we can,” she said. Other speakers included: . Sharon Cope and Rachel French from Orange Public School who spoke about the program Kids Matter and how they support the mental health of young people. . Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinator Di Gill who shared about the importance of community connections when times get tough and . Director of the CRRMH, Professor David Perkins who talked about the five focus areas for action as outlined in the Centre’s Position Paper on Rural Suicide Prevention.
Key guests included Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP, Member for Orange, Phil Donato, Mayor of Orange, Cr Reg Kidd, Director Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, Western NSW Local Health District, Jason Crisp and Deputy Principal, Anson Rachel French and Sharon Cope from Street School, Jodie Pritchard. Orange Public School at the Forum
13 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Partnerships (continued)
Mental Health Commission In June 2017, the NSW Mental Health Commission granted the CRRMH funding to build a model of rural community wellbeing collaboratives. The CRRMH has now undertaken a literature review, creating a preliminary model from this. Furthermore, there has been an evaluation of the Our Healthy Clarence collaborative (https://www.ourhealthyclarence.org.au/) and of the Mentally Healthy Orange collaborative.
The CRRMH has now been granted further funding to host a series of workshops to support knowledge sharing and networking for rural community wellbeing collaboratives in the Grafton, Muswellbrook, and Lithgow communities. Members of the NSW Mental Health Commission will join CRRMH for these workshops.
The aim of the work is to engage with these communities, share current evaluation findings and to support reflection and strategic planning.
Academic Partnerships
Western NSW Health Research Network On 17 April, CRRMH staff attended a networking event hosted by the Western NSW Health Research Network. During the event, USyd Associate Professor Catherine Hawke and WNSWLHD Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan signed a 3-year agreement between Western NSW Health Research Network - WHRN and Western NSW Local Health District.
The partnership aims to strengthen health research and collaboration across our region. The CRRMH is proud to be involved.
Compiled by Vanessa Delaney, Senior Development Officer, Tessa Caton, RAMHP Partnerships Manager and Lucy McEvoy, Research Assistant
14 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Good SPACE
Good SPACE Workshops (GSW) Good SPACE workshops were provided in Merriwa, Kurri Kurri, Tamworth and Inverell.
A tailored Good SPACE workshop was delivered to clients of Compass Housing in Muswellbrook.
All workshops were well attended; a total of 99 participants were trained at Good SPACE workshops in this quarter.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) two-day Workshops ASIST has been delivered in the Armidale and Narrabri communities. With Jess Barraket recently completing Fiona at the Good SPACE Workshop in Living Works Australia ASIST T4T in Melbourne. The Good SPACE team now have three ASIST facilitators. Inverell 30 May
Suicide Prevention Community Action Group (SPAG)
The Moree Suicide Prevention Community Action Group (SPCAG) is gaining interest from the community with growing representation from local mental health organisations e.g. Centacare. The group is working towards its aim of establishing a local, community-driven suicide prevention network.
Networking Good SPACE attended the Gravesend ‘Dry Times Cuppa’ session on May 24. This is an initiative of North West Local Land Services (NWLLS) to advise rural communities how to make the best of dry times with drought info sessions. District vets and livestock officers were on hand to answer ASIST Workshop in Narrabri, 24 May questions along with other rural support services to connect people to support.
We Yarn The We-Yarn Workshop was delivered in Jubullum on 14 May.
Compiled by Fiona Livingstone, Coordinator and Carmel O’Sullivan, Project Officer
15 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)
The April to June period has been RAMHP’s busiest period to date, . Development of the 7th Edition of the Glove Box Guide is well under way, with the highest number of links, training participants, and community with the theme Building Thriving Communities. events delivered since June 2016. Activity involved: . RAMHP’s first Outcome Evaluation Report was completed in May, by . 996 people linked to care Evaluation Manager Sarah Maddox, this report indicated RAMHP is making . 168 training courses delivered to 3,424 participants considerable progress towards achieving its objectives, our stakeholders are . 114 community events satisfied and the program is being delivered consistently across the state.
. The intensifying drought continues to . Western LHD RAMHP Coordinators, Di Gill and Camilla Kenny have submitted be a major priority for many RAMHP a joint abstract to the Rural Mental Health Symposium in Hobart, if accepted Coordinators, with Coordinators they will present on recovery work in the Sir Ivan Fire and an innovative frequently attending drought support training model rolled out for St Vincent’s De Paul. workshops and information evenings. RAMHP Coordinators, Marie Kelly and Kate Arndell presented to over 600 . Evaluation of the Glove Box Guide to ladies attending the CWA State-wide Conference. Mental Health (GBG) was completed, demonstrating the GBG is a valued For the full RAMPH Report for this quarter, please refer to unique resource that encourages people Appendix 8 to look after their own and others mental health.
Program Manager, Tessa Caton and RAMHP Coordinator Sam Osborne have been accepted to present at the Regional Development Australia Conference in Sept, their presentation is titled Rural Suicide Prevention: A Community Response.
During Volunteer Week, RAMHP launched our latest training session, Volunteer Wellbeing. This presentation provides participants with an understanding of how to identify stress, how to talk with volunteers about stress and strategies to help reduce stress.
RAMHP’s partnership with the Baggy Blues Cricket Tour continues to progress, with scoping visits completed in Dubbo, Lismore, Eden and Griffith. Tours are due to start rolling out in October.
Compiled by Tessa Caton, RAMHP Program Manager
16 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Staff Training and Achievements
Achievements and Celebrations . Congratulations to CRRMH Researcher Dr Tonelle Handley, who led a paper entitled “Self recognition of mental health problems in a rural Australian sample”, which was published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health in June. This piece of research received a significant amount of media interest from across the country. . Congratulations to RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill who was nominated for Staff Member of the year at Western NSW Local Health District’s Quality and Innovation Awards in Dubbo on 24 June. While not the final winner, it was great to see Di being recognised for her hard work and passion for RAMHP. . As part of the University of Newcastle, CRRMH staff took some time out to practise good mental health and wellbeing at work on Uni Mental Health Day on 1 May. Staff member of the year presentation at the Western NSW LHD Quality and Innovation Awards Staff news . The Centre welcomed new RAMHP Project Officer Elise Taylor in May. Elise is filling Clare Gander’s role whole she is on maternity leave (congratulations to Clare and her family on the arrival of baby Finn). Holding a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree and with several years’ experience as a volunteer presenter for the Black Dog Institute, Elise has already hit the ground running. Elise is looking forward to being able to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness and preventing others from being affected by mental illness. . The CRRMH appointed a new Marketing Officer in June. Ashleigh Middleton comes into this newly created role after working at the Centre as the Administration Officer trainee for 12 months. Ashleigh will now work in the Communications team, supporting the marketing activities of the Centre. Ashleigh’s successful appointment is a positive reflection of her achievements as Administration Officer, where she proved to be a valuable asset to the Centre. Elise Taylor
17 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Staff Training and Achievements (continued)
Training
The CRRMH is committed to the safety of its staff and as such the Orange-based CRRMH team attended fire training at the CRRMH building on the Bloomfield campus in Orange on 20 June. The training session provided an overview of fire safety procedures and gave attendees the opportunity to practise using fire equipment.
The CRRMH is currently undertaking an IT project in conjunction with the University of Newcastle to develop and implement SharePoint as its new internal platform for file management and information sharing. During this quarter SharePoint “champions” were appointed for each team and introductory training was provided to all staff.
The Good SPACE Project Officer (far left) attended ASIST T4T training in Melbourne.
Researcher Kris Gottschall participating in fire training
18 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 1: Research
IFIC Australia has been working on a new search tool to help support easier access to internationally published work on different aspects of integrated care. Launched on the Central Coast on 5 April 2018, the project is co-sponsored by IFIC Australia and Central Coast Local Health District and supported by Flinders Filters, of Flinders University. https://integratedcarefoundation.org/ific-integrated-care-search
There was a great response to the 2017 Glove Box Guide to Mental Health Evaluation Survey with valuable feedback received. Prize winners were announced in April (thanks to sponsors Allianz and Akubra). More information on the findings can be found in the RAMHP section of this report
Prof David Perkins and Dr Hazel Dalton attended the 18th International Foundation for Integrated Care Conference in Utrecht, Netherlands in May, and had supported the conference organisation by sitting on the Scientific Advisory Committee. Hazel presented ‘Using the Project INTEGRATE Framework for assessing progress towards care integration: results from a formative evaluation of a complex intervention in Central Coast Local Health District, NSW Australia.’ at the conference. Access the presentations from the conference here: https://integratedcarefoundation.org/events/icic18-18th-international-conference-on-integrated-care-utrecht
Research Assistant, Kris Gottschall travelled to Nyngan and Molong to discuss and plan the rollout of the VERILY Connect: Virtual dementia-friendly rural communities project. The aim of VERILY is to better support carers of people with dementia through online support. The CRRMH is partnering with La Trobe University, Flinders University, Nyngan Health Service and Molong HealthOne General Practice. Further consultations will take place in July.
PHD Students
Candidates Ms Emma Austin, and Ms Victoria Hirst are continuing their studies.
Mr Sophun Moch to take on a sub-project using the NCIS data.
19 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 2 : Proposals
FUNDED
Central Coast Family Referral Service in Schools Program – Multiagency Co-commissioned Evaluation Proposal $200,000 – (with UON Family Action Centre (FAC). Prepared by request for the Central Coast Local Heath District and its Partners.
Baggy Blues cricket tour – RAMHP to conduct an evaluation of the tour which incorporates increasing mental health literacy ($10,000).
Funding from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD to undertake community engagement work in Lithgow ($30,000) Review of central intake and stepped care model for mental health services. Requested proposal from Murrumbidgee PHN. Scott Fitzpatrick, John Leary, Hazel Dalton, David Perkins ($21,787) accepted May 2018. Workshop options to support and build capacity in Community Wellbeing Collaboratives. Requested proposal from NSW Mental Health Commission. Hazel Dalton, Nic Powell, David Perkins ($40,000) - accepted June 2018 – for further work on Community Wellbeing Collaboratives project.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – Placed Based Consultancy. Requested proposal from Western NSW PHN. David Perkins, Hazel Dalton, John Leary and Russell Roberts ($60,000) accepted June 2018.
SUBMITTED
Rural community based suicide prevention strategies for men in farming. ARC Linkage Grant $633,790. Submitted 16/4/2018. L Bryant, S Brumby, D Perkins, K Kolves, L Corocher, B Garnham, A Kennedy, S Fitzpatrick.
Capturing the relationship pathways to suicide in young adults in rural Australia to improve intervention design. Rotary Mental Health Grant EOI. Submitted 1 June 2018. S. Fitzpatrick, B. Brew, D. Perkins.
UNSUCCESSFUL
Gatekeeper training for suicide prevention in older persons. Project Proposal $300,000 submitted February 2018. Prepared by request for Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network.
20 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 3 Publications
PUBLISHED
Fitzpatrick, S.J., Perkins, D., Handley, T., Luland, T., Brown, D., & Corvan, E. (2018). Coordinating mental and physical health care in rural Australia: An integrated model for primary care settings. International Journal of Integrated Care, 18(2): 1-9. 2018; 18:19. http://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.3943
Clay-Williams, R., Plumb, J., Luscombe, G., Hawke, C., Dalton, H., Shannon, G., Johnson, J. (2018). Improving teamwork and patient outcomes with daily structured interdisciplinary bedside rounds: a multi method evaluation. Journal of Hospital Medicine (ID: JHM-16-0711.R2) https://www.journalofhospitalmedicine.com/jhospmed/article/163583/hospital-medicine/improving-teamwork-and-patient-outcomes-daily-structured
Handley, T. et al. (2018) The Challenges of Predicting Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in a Sample of Rural Australians with Depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15(5), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050928
Handley, T., Lewin, T., Perkins, D. and Kelly, B. Self-recognition of mental health problems in a rural Australian sample. Australian Journal of Rural Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12406 Rich, J., Handley, T., Inder, K., Perkins, D. (2018). An experiment in using open-text comments from the Australian Rural Mental Health Study on health service priorities. Rural and Remote Health, 18(1). doi:10.22605/RRH4208 * published in February but omitted in last report Inder KJ, Holliday EG, Handley TE, et al. Depression and Risk of Unintentional Injury in Rural Communities - A Longitudinal Analysis of the Australian Rural Mental Health Study. Lawn S, ed. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017;14(9):1080. http://www.mdpi.com/1660- 4601/14/9/1080 * published in September 2017 but omitted in report
SUBMITTED
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, Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, submitted: 12/06/2018 (No. CRI-MS-2527).
21 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 4 Conferences PRESENTED
Dalton, H; Perkins, D; Goodwin, N; Hendry, A; Read, D; Booth, A; Handley, T; Davies, K; Bishop, M; Sheather-Reid, R; Bradfield, S; Wilcox, S; Lewis, P ‘Using the Project INTEGRATE Framework for assessing progress towards care integration: results from a formative evaluation of a complex intervention in Central Coast Local Health District, NSW Australia.’ 18th International Conference on Integrated Care, Utrecht, Netherlands. 23-25 May 2018.
Wilding, C., Blackberry, I., Farmer, J., Greenhill, J., Perkins, D., Bauer, M., Winbolt, M., O'Connell, M., Morgan, D. Virtual Dementia Friendly Rural Communities: VERILY project consumer consultation. 6th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium. Canberra, ACT Australia. 11 –12 April 2018 ACCEPTED
Livingstone, F., Blacklock, N. ‘What yarning about suicide has taught us? Delivering We-Yarn – an Aboriginal suicide prevention workshop’. National Suicide Prevention Conference. Adelaide, SA Australia. 23-26 July 2018. Dalton, H., Hazell, T., Livingstone F., Caton, T., Perkins, D. ‘The Locality Gap: Tackling the entrenched problem of higher rural suicide rates.’ National Suicide Prevention Conference Adelaide, SA Australia, 23 - 26 July 2018. Lovelock, H. and Dalton, H. ‘Low Intensity Mental Health Services – what are they, who provides them and do they work?‘ The MHS Conference Adelaide, SA Australia, 28-31 August 2018.
SUBMITTED
Read, D. & Fitzpatrick, S. National Suicide Prevention Trial community consultations in remote western NSW. Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium, Hobart, Tasmania. 15-17 October 2018.
Read, D., Maddox, S., McEvoy, L., Caton, T., Smyth, V. & Dalton, H. Evaluation of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health. Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium, Hobart, Tasmania. 15-17 October 2018.
Fitzpatrick, S.J. Rethinking rural suicide: Intersectionality in research and policy. Building Critical Bridges: The Third Conference of the Critical Suicide Studies Network, 12-13 December 2018. Perth Australia.
22 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 5 Library Table 1: Statistics of Library Activity during April - June 2018
Library Activity CRRMH Staff Area Health Patients Students Other Health Total Service Staff
Visitor Type 112 53 117 60 3 345 Articles Supplied 196 509 3 11 40 759
Photocopying/Printing 200 187 126 23 19 555
Inter-library loans 11 56 0 0 33 100
Literature Searches 18 30 0 1 2 51
Information Skills 5 5 0 2 0 12 Training Other Training Provided 75 84 63 40 5 267
(Includes catalogue searching and library orientation)
Loans 22 19 22 23 2 88
23 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 6 Communications – Website analytics
CRRMH website RAMHP website
Total site visits increased by 45% since last quarter, with 3,282 first Total site visits increased by 37% since last quarter, with 1,313 first time visitors time visitors
47% of visitors found the site organically through search engines. 51% of visitors found the site organically through search engines. (Note: (Note: Organic refers to unpaid search results) Organic refers to unpaid search results)
The average time spent on our site during a session was 2:42, a 12% The average time spent on our site during a session was 2:20, a 3% increase since last quarter increase since last quarter
Top 5 pages: Top 5 pages:
1. CRRMH Homepage 1. RAMHP Homepage
2. Programs and Projects- RAMHP 2. Downloadable Resources
3. Downloadable Resources 3. Meet Our Team
4. About Us- Overview 4. Find a RAMHP Coordinator
5. Research Publications 5. Training
24 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au Appendix 7 Communications – Media List
DATE MEDIA OUTLET TOPIC SPOKESPERSON LINK 4.04.2018 Gilgandra Weekly Agricultural Showgirl RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Article on file competition in 2018 Kenny 6.04.2018 Manning River Times Taree RAMHP exhibitor at Club RAMHP mentioned Article on file Old Bar Seniors Week Health Expo 9.04.2018 Parkes Champion Post RAMHP at NSW Farmers RAMHP and RAMHP https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/5329883/farmers-meet-this- Annual Meeting Coordinator Di Gill thursday-in-parkes/ mentioned 13.04.2018 WIN TV Mental Health First Aid RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link Training 20.04.2018 Central West Lachlan Landcare RAMHP RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill No link Newsletter 25.04.2018 Coffs Coast Advocate Survey not afraid to tackle CRRMH mentioned https://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/survey-not-afraid-to-tackle- tragedy suicide-tragedy/3397703/
27.04.2018 Northern Star Suicide awareness –We- We-Yarn and CRRMH Article on file Yarn 29.04.2018 ABC Country Hour Drought and mental health RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Recording for 29th not available online Keioskie 30.04.2018 Triple Z Lismore – news report We Yarn workshops We-Yarn mentioned Available on file
April ABC South East - Josh Becker Drought RAMHP Coordinator Jennie No link Keioskie 2.05.2018 ABC Country Hour with Michael Senate enquiry on access to CRRMH Director Prof David MP3 on file Condon mental health services in Perkins rural and remote Australia
1.05.2018 Bega District News A special screening of RAMHP mentioned https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/5345035/a-special-screening-of- Suicide – The Ripple Effect suicide-the-ripple-effect/?cs=504
25 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 2.05.2018 Central Western Daily Schizophrenia success CRRMH mentioned as part On file of venue for 2-day conference 3.05.2018 Young Witness, Young Suicide prevention CRRMH mentioned https://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/5373209/suicide-prevention- feedback feedback/
7.05.2018 ABC NSW Country Hour Drought and mental health RAMHP Coordinator Jennie http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/nsw-country-hour/2018-05- Keioskie 07/nsw-country-hour-monday-7-may-2018/9735316
7.05.2018 Area News Griffith Exhibitor List for 2018 CRRMH Article on file Riverina Field Days exhibitor list 8.05.2018 The Land Friday Forum: Mental CRRMH and RAMHP https://www.theland.com.au/story/5385022/young-people-invited-to-the- health forum designed for friday-forum/ young people 9.05.2018 Cobram Courier, VIC Suicide prevention CRRMH mentioned Article on file consultation 9.05.2018 ABC New England North West with Drought at the CWA event RAMHP Coordinator Kate No link Kelly Fuller – NSW Country Hour Arndell
15.05.2018 The Young Witness Mental Health First Aid RAMHP Coordinator No link Training Merilyn Limbrick 15.05.2018 Gannawarra Times, Gannawarra Suicide prevention CRRMH mentioned Article on file guidelines planned with NSW Mental Health Consultation 15.05.2018 The Young Witness MHFA Training RAMHP Coordinator Article on file Merilyn Limbrick 18.05.2018 Batemans Bay Post newsletter Volunteer training RAMHP Coordinator Jennie Article on file Keioskie 20.05.2018 The Great Lakes Advocate Wellbeing of members RAMHP https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/5409536/wellbeing-of- crucial for lifesaving’s future members-crucial-for-lifesavings-future/
26 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 20.05.2018 The New York Times Farmers and mental health CRRMH position paper https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/20/world/australia/rural-suicides-farmers- referenced globalization.html
21.05.2018 Western Advocate LLS to run drought session RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5418778/local-land-services-to- in Bathurst run-drought-session-in-bathurst/
21.05.2018 The Great Lakes Advocate Suicide prevention forum CRRMH mentioned https://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/5418771/suicide-prevention- coming to Taree forum-coming-to-taree/
21.05.2018 The Great Lakes Advocate Wellbeing of members RAMHP volunteer training http://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/5409536/wellbeing-of-members- crucial for lifesaving’s future crucial-for-lifesavings-future/
23.05.2018 Port Macquarie News Port Macquarie forum to CRRMH mentioned https://www.portnews.com.au/story/5420869/forum-to-shine-spotlight-on- discuss mental health suicide-prevention/ initiatives 23.06.2018 Coffs Coast Advocate Funding for farmers CRRMH mentioned Article on file 24.05.2018 NBN News Farmers urged to think of RAMHP Coordinator Kate https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2018/05/24/farmers-urged-to-think-of- themselves too as drought Arndell themselves-too-as-drought-continues/ continues 24.05.2018 Glen Innes Examiner Session for those leaving RAMHP Coordinator Letitia https://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/5426425/mental-health-help-for- properties are a lifetime of Cross farmers/ farming 24.05.2018 Port Macquarie News National Volunteers Week: RAMHP team https://www.portnews.com.au/story/5426213/mental-health-session-to- Surf Lifesaving NSW host benefit-our-surf-lifesavers/ information session in Port Macquarie
29.05.2018 Western Magazine Orange to host regional CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/5433737/orange-to-host- suicide prevention forum Perkins and RAMHP regional-suicide-prevention-forum/?cs=5843 Coordinator Di Gill
27 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 30.05.2015 Western Advocate NSW Drought: farmers RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5438800/drought-is-hard-to-stomach-for- concerned about cattle regions-farmers-and-stock/
30.5.2018 Channel 9 news Drought workshops RAMHP mentioned –DPI https://www.facebook.com/9NewsCentralWest/videos/343731352820819/ Pip Job
30.05.2018 Port Macquarie Express Suicide Forum CRRMH mentioned Article on file 30.05.2018 The Newcastle Herald Launch of Australia’s first CRRMH mentioned https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5437737/mental-illness-prevention-is-a- integrated research message-for-everyone/ initiative into mental illness prevention 30.05.2018 Coolah District Diary Sir Ivan Fire Letters – Photo of RAMHP No link community meeting Coordinator Camilla Kenny and other members
31.05.2018 ABC Central West Drought preparation CRRMH Di Gill No link 31.05.2018 The Land Suicide prevention forum in CRRMH and Prof David Article on file Orange Perkins 26.05.2018 World Socialist Website Australian feminists deny CRRMH position paper on https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/05/26/marg-m26.html mental health crisis behind rural suicide referenced Margaret River murder- suicide 31.05.2018 Newcastle Herald Mental illness prevention by CRRMH mentioned Article on file Helen Christensen and Jaelea Skehan
31.05.2018 Western Magazine Drought Preparation RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Article on file
1.06.2018 Far West in Focus CWA state conference RAMHP Coordinator Marie No link Kelly 2.06.2018 Gundagai Independent Distressed country people Research paper Article on file don’t recognise mental illness
28 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 5.06.2018 Western magazine Support helps combat RAMHP Program Manager https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/5445487/mental-health-support-services- mental health issues Tessa Caton help-thousands-of-rural-people/
6.06.2018 Western Magazine (Audio) NSW Drought and getting RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5441688/minds-matter-just-as-much-as- help stock-fodder-in-a-drought-audio/
6.06.2018 Northern Daily Leader Drought and services RAMHP Coordinator Kate Article on file Arndell June Northern Daily Leader About RAMHP RAMHP Article not yet published. 8.06.2018 Bombala Times Drought session RAMHP mentioned https://www.bombalatimes.com.au/story/5457116/livestock-feeding-sessions/
12.06.2018 ABC Central West Rural Suicide Prevention CRRMH Director Prof David No link – Collective Purpose Perkins Speakers Series
12.06.2018 Central Western Daily Rural Suicide Prevention CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/5462218/suicide-prevention-forum-to-be- – Collective Purpose Perkins held-tonight/ Speakers Series
12.06.2018 Prime 7 News Rural Suicide Prevention CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.facebook.com/PRIME7NewsCentralWest/videos/1751436428271377/UzpfS – Collective Purpose Perkins, RAMHP TY0MTE1OTc0OTMzMTQxMToxNjUyODQ0NjQ0ODI5NTc4/ Speakers Series Coordinator Di Gill
08.06.2018 In The Loop News Rural Suicide Prevention CRRMH Director Prof David http://staffcomms.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/j/BE5144AB67609A762540EF23F30FEDED – Collective Purpose Perkins /8FE3DB4487895D2738A555EB6E97B45B Speakers Series
12.06.2018 The Maitland Mercury NSW drought budget CRRMH mentioned https://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/5464791/more-government-money-on-the- table-to-battle-drought/?cs=171
29 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 13.06.2018 Newcastle Herald NSW budget drought spend CRRMH Mentioned https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5464850/drought-spend-279m-for- innovation-fund-mental-health-and-more/
13.06.2018 Parkes Champion Post NSW budget spend CRRMH mentioned https://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/5465890/state-government- announces-drought-assistance-for-farmers/
13.06.2018 ABC Country Hour NSW and SA Drought and mental health RAMHP Coordinator Marie No link Kelly 13.06.2018 Namoi Valley Independent NSW drought support CRRMH mentioned https://www.nvi.com.au/story/5465514/state-government-announces-drought- assistance-for-farmers/
13.06.2018 Cootamundra Herald, Blue Mountains NSW drought support CRRMH mentioned https://www.cootamundraherald.com.au/story/5464850/drought-spend-279m- Gazette, Fairfield Campion, Liverpool for-innovation-fund-mental-health-and-more/ Champion, Lithgow Mercury, Riverina Rural, South Coast Register, The Area News, Goulburn Post, Southern Cross, Wollondilly Advertiser, Mudgee Guardian, Riverina Leader, Eastern Riverina Chronicle, St George & Sutherland Shire Leader, Bega District News, Manning River Times, Daily Liberal, Newcastle Herald, Port Macquarie News, The Armidale Express, Bathurst Western Advocate, Northern Daily Leader, Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser, Central Western Daily, Southern Highland News, Illawarra Mercury, Leeton Irrigator, Newcastle Gazette, Harden Express,
30 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 13.06.2018 Tenterfield Star, Guyra Argus, Moree NSW drought support CRRM mentioned https://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/story/5465514/state-government- Champion, Western Magazine, announces-drought-assistance-for-farmers/ Walcha News, Northern Daily Leader, Glen Innes Examiner, Inverell Times, Nyngan Observer, Wellington Times, Narromine News,
13.06.2018 Hunter Valley News NSW Drought Support CRRMH mentioned https://www.huntervalleynews.net.au/story/5466247/upper-hunter-mp- welcomes-latest-government-assistance-package/
14.06.2018 WayAhead YouTube channel Rural Suicide Prevention – Full video -Keynote speakers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6y1KbmNxKY&t=1399s Collective Purpose Speakers Series
14.06.2018 South Coast Register NSW drought budget CRRMH mentioned https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/5467443/funding-doubles-for- nsws-drought-hit-farmers/
14.06.2018 The Central Western Daily Regional Suicide Prevention CRRMH Director Prof David https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/5465629/suicide-prevention-a- Forum with Way Ahead Perkins shared-responsibility-mental-health-expert/?cs=106
14.06.2018 ABC Broken Hill CWA Conference – tips on RAMHP Coordinator Marie https://www.facebook.com/cwaofnsw/posts/2019595578112017 helping cope with drought Kelly included
14.06.2018 The Land Drought support CRRMH mentioned Article on file 14.06.2018 Scone Advocate Drought support CRRMH mentioned Article on file 14.06.2018 Border Mail – Albury Wodonga NSW drought support CRRMH mentioned Article on file
31 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 14.06.2018 Daily Liberal Baggy blues cricket tour to RAMHP Coordinator Camilla Article on file Dubbo Kenny
15.06.2018 Camden Advertiser Glenmore farmer slams Gov CRRMH mentioned https://www.camdenadvertiser.com.au/story/5471249/farmer-slams- drought package governments-drought-relief-package/
15.06.2018 Irrigator Leeton Relief for farmers CRRMH mentioned Article on file 15.06.2018 Tumut & Adelong Times Government drought support CRRMH mentioned Article on file
15.06.2018 Armidale Express NSW drought budget CRRMH mentioned Article on file 15.06.018 CWA monthly members magazine Presentation at CWA RAMHP Coordinators Marie No link conference Kelly and Kate Arndell
17.06.2018 The Macleay Argus NSW Budget drought spend CRRMH mentioned https://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/5470306/drought-spend-279m- for-innovation-fund-mental-health-and-more/
18.06.2018 Area News Government’s drought relief CRRMH mentioned Article on file for farmers 18.06.2018 Gundagai Independent Gundagai Managing support for CRRMH mentioned Article on file drought-affected farmers
19.06.2018 Central Western Daily Phil Donato update on Rural CRRMH mentioned Article on file Suicide Prevention Forum in Orange
19.06.2018 Tumut and Adelong Times Mental Health First Aid Photograph of class in Tumut No link (MHFA) held in May with RAMHP Coordinator Helen Sheather
20.06.2018 The Inverell Times Tonelle research on Research cited https://www.inverelltimes.com.au/story/5478356/distressed-country- people-dont-recognise-mental-illness/
32 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 20.06.2018 Condobolin Argus, Condobolin Drought budget update CRRMH mentioned Article on file
20.06.2018 Hunter Valley News Muswellbrook Drought budget update CRRMH mentioned Article on file
20.06.2018 ABC Newcastle, Riverina Victoria, SA, Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH On file QLD recognition of mental health research, Tonelle Handley problems in a rural Australian sample” 20.06.2018 2ES/ Power FM South Coast Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample” 20.06.2018 Gippsland FM Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample” 20.06.2018 Broken Hill media Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample” 20.06.2018 Dubbo media Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample” 20.06.2018 ABC South East Bega Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH On file recognition of mental health research – News report problems in a Uni of Newcastle CRRMH research rural Australian sample”
20.06.2018 Wagga media Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample”
33 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 20.06.2018 WIN Albury Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample”
21.06.2018 Ten Daily Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample”
21.06.2018 2NM/ PowerFM Muswellbrook Research study: “Self- Uni of Newcastle CRRMH No link recognition of mental health research problems in a rural Australian sample”
21.06.2018 ABC South East Bega Research study: “Self- Mentioned in news report On file recognition of mental health problems in a rural Australian sample”
22.06.2018 Daily Examiner Grafton Worry over rural healthy Research study: “Self- On file recognition of mental health problems in a rural Australian sample”
22.06.2018 ABC South Australia Research study: “Self- CRRMH Prof David Perkins No link recognition of mental health problems in a rural Australian sample”
23.06.2018 Coffs Coat Advocate, Coffs Harbour Funding for farmers CRRMH mentioned No link
26.06.2018 Lithgow Mercury Mental health now has a high CRRMH mentioned https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/5470222/mental-health-now-a- priority for drought-affected high-priority-for-drought-affected-farmers/ farmers
26.06.2018 Goulburn Town & Country Distressed country people Uni of Newcastle CRRMH On file don’t recognise mental illness research
34 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au 27.06.2018 Forbes Advocate Mental health now a high CRRMH mentioned https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/5492267/mental-health-now- priority for drought-affected a-high-priority-for-drought-affected-farmers/ farmers
27.06.2018 Daily Examiner Grafton Prof has a better view of CRRMH Director Prof Perkins On file future 28.06.2018 Northern exposure NNNSW LHD Volunteer Week RAMHP Coordinator Sam No link newsletter Osborne
28.06.2018 Western Advocate NSW drought RAMHP mentioned https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5496102/rainy-day-but- bathurst-is-still-well-behind-on-monthly-rainfall/
29.06.2018 ABC South East radio Baggy Blues RAMHP Coordinator Jen Follow up with Jen Hunt Keioskie 29.06.2018 Forbes Phoenix The Ripple Effect RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill Article on file
35 | The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au RAMHP Quarterly Update April – June 2018 RAMHP Quarterly Update Report, April – June 2018
RAMHP Quarterly Update Report 2: Apr. – Jun. 2018 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]
NOT FOR FURTHER DISTRIBUTION
Table of Contents
Page Section Number
General RAMHP Program Updates 3
Data Considerations 14
RAMHP Updates by Program Component 15
LINK 16
TRAIN 20
INFORM 22
2 General RAMHP Program Updates
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program – Tessa Caton
RAMHP Program Updates • The April to June period has been RAMHP’s busiest period to date, with the highest number of links, training participants, and community events delivered since June 2016 • The intensifying drought continues to be a major priority for many RAMHP Coordinators, with Coordinators frequently attending drought support workshops and information evenings Management Report 2 • Evaluation of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health (GBG) was completed, demonstrating the Highlights GBG is a valued unique resource that encourages people to look after their own and others mental health • Development of the 7th Edition of the GBG is well under way, with the theme Building Thriving Communities • RAMHP’s first Outcome Evaluation Report was completed in May, by Evaluation Manager Sarah Maddox, this report indicated RAMHP is making considerable progress towards achieving its • 996 People Linked to objectives, our stakeholders are satisfied and the program is being delivered consistently across the Care between Apr – Jun state 2018 • RAMHP Coordinators, Marie Kelly and Kate Arndell presented to over 600 ladies attending the CWA State-wide Conference • 168 Training Courses were delivered to 3,424 • Western LHD RAMHP Coordinators, Di Gill and Camilla Kenny have submitted a joint abstract to the participants between Apr Rural Mental Health Symposium in Hobart, if accepted they will present on recovery work in the Sir – Jun 2018 Ivan Fire and an innovative training model rolled out for St Vincent’s De Paul • Program Manager, Tessa Caton and RAMHP Coordinator Sam Osborne have been accepted to • 114 Community Events present at the Regional Development Australia Conference in Sept, their presentation is titled were attended by Rural Suicide Prevention: A Community Response RAMHP Coordinators • During Volunteer Week, RAMHP launched our latest training session, Volunteer Wellbeing. This between Apr – Jun 2018 presentation provides participants with an understanding of how to identify stress, how to talk with volunteers about stress and strategies to help reduce stress. • Elise Taylor joined our team based in Orange, as our Project Officer for Mental Health Training. She will be with us for 12 months, supporting the development and review of RAMHP’s Resources • RAMHP’s partnership with the Baggy Blues Cricket Tour continues to progress, with scoping visits completed in Dubbo, Lismore, Eden and Griffith. Tours are due to start rolling out in October. 3 General RAMHP Program Updates
RAMHP Communication Highlights – Jocelyn Johnston
Website Update New blog posts on the RAMHP website helped increase traffic. Blogs were as follows: - What suicide prevention work means to me - Project Manager Good SPACE, Fiona Livingstone - What it means to experience a ‘volunteer’s high’ - CRRMH Executive Manager, Greg Shapter - Sing when you’re singing - RAMHP Senior Project Officer, Vicky Smyth - Building character for learning: workshop with intention to transform lives - Principal Anson Street School, Melanie Meers - Why mates are important in rural and remote communities - CEO MATES in mining, Andrew McMahon
Snapshot: April – June 2018
Increase 37% since last quarter (Jan – Mar 2018) with 1,313 first time visitors
Top 5 pages visited:
1. RAMHP Homepage 2. Downloadable Resources 3. Meet Our Team 4. Find a RAMHP Coordinator 5. Training
WSPD and RUOK Day? planning meeting
• On Tuesday, 15 May Communications Coordinator Jocelyn Johnston and Senior Project Officer Victoria Smyth attended a planning meeting in Sydney with communications colleagues across the mental health sector. The objective was to review the 2017 World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK? Day campaigns as well as brainstorm campaigns for 2018. The short workshop was a great opportunity to network with colleagues, contribute to discussion and ideas and to remind the sector of our own networks and experience working in rural and remote mental health. It was also a chance to promote our upcoming campaigns. 4 General RAMHP Program Updates
Stakeholder Communications • Advertisement A half-page advertisement was developed for this year’s NSW Farmers Conference booklet to drive people to the RAMHP website to find more information about RAMHP and contact details for local RAMHP Coordinators.
• Rural Suicide and its Prevention – The CRRMH communications team helped to facilitate a successful regional suicide prevention forum with Collective Purpose Partners, WayAhead, NSW Mental Health Carers and Being – Mental Health and Wellbeing Consumer Advisory Group. Over 50 people attended the forum which was held in Orange on 12 June. You can catch up on the Forum at: https://wayahead.org.au/rural-suicide-and-its-prevention/
5 General RAMHP Program Updates
Media Highlights
This quarter, we delivered the following media releases: Orange chosen to host regional suicide prevention forum - Wednesday, May 30, 2018 New training program supports volunteer wellbeing - Monday, May 21, 2018 Budget 2018: Boost in rural mental health requires a regional planning focus - Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Articles promoting RAMHP were also submitted to the Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth and the Western Magazine – Central West.
Examples of key media activity are presented in Table 1 below. Please note this is a sample only. Topics include: coping with drought and help services, NSW government support for drought, the regional suicide prevention forum with WayAhead, and the introduction of wellbeing training for volunteers. Table 1: Overview of Media Interactions. For a full list of media coverage for this quarter, please refer to Appendix A for more details.
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link
7.05.2018 ABC NSW Country Drought and mental RAMHP Coordinator http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/ Hour health Jennie Keioskie nsw-country-hour/2018-05-07/nsw-country- hour-monday-7-may-2018/9735316
24.05.2018 Port Macquarie National Volunteers RAMHP team – Northern https://www.portnews.com.au/story/542621 News Week: Surf Lifesaving NSW 3/mental-health-session-to-benefit-our-surf- NSW host information lifesavers/ session in Port Macquarie 24.05.2018 NBN News Farmers urged to think RAMHP Coordinator https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2018/05/24/fa of themselves too as Kate Arndell rmers-urged-to-think-of-themselves-too-as- drought continues drought-continues/ 6 General RAMHP Program Updates
Table 1: Overview of Media Interactions (continued), note this is a sample only
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link
24.05.2018 Glen Innes Session for those leaving RAMHP Coordinator https://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/stor Examiner properties after a life-time Letitia Cross y/5426425/mental-health-help-for-farmers/ of farming 12.06.2018 Prime 7 News Regional Suicide CRRMH Director Prof https://www.facebook.com/PRIME7NewsC Prevention Forum with David Perkins, RAMHP entralWest/videos/1751436428271377/Uzpf WayAhead Coordinator Di Gill STY0MTE1OTc0OTMzMTQxMToxNjUyOD Q0NjQ0ODI5NTc4/
5.06.2018 Western magazine Support helps combat RAMHP Program https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story mental health issues Manager Tessa Caton /5445487/mental-health-support-services- help-thousands-of-rural-people/
14.06.2018 ABC Broken Hill CWA Conference – tips on RAMHP Coordinator https://www.facebook.com/cwaofnsw/posts/ coping with drought Marie Kelly 2019595578112017
28.06.2018 Northern Exposure Volunteer Week RAMHP Coordinator NNNSW LHD Sam Osborne newsletter
7 General RAMHP Program Updates
8 General RAMHP Program Updates
RAMHP Social Media – Vicky Smyth Overview of Facebook data The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Facebook page. Table 2: Overview of RAMHP’s Facebook Page Statistics, Apr – Jun 2018
Statistic Impact
• 115 new likes were achieved during this period, bringing the total number of likes to • Number of likes increased by 13% 909
• Stories about the impact of drought on rural and remote NSW and where people could • Post Publishing increased this quarter with find information in partnership with NSW 136 posts DPI continued to be shared • Coordinators were very busy this quarter, sending through many events to share
• Engagement with posts: • As expected, engagement for this quarter − Reactions 1400 increased compared to the start of the year. − Comments 124 • Engagement was up by 42% − Shares 291 • There were regular peaks through out the campaign − Link Clicks 500 9 General RAMHP Program Updates
Figure 1: Top performing posts during the period Apr – Jun 2018
10 General RAMHP Program Updates
Overview of Twitter Data The following table provides an overview of key statistics relating to RAMHP’s twitter account during the period Apr – Jun 2018. Table 3: Overview of RAMHP’s Twitter Analytics, Apr – Jun 2018
Statistic Impact
• 19 new followers were achieved during this • RAMHP’s Twitter audience continues to period, bringing the total number of increase followers to 373
• Post publishing grew with the increase in • Tweets sent during this period increased RAMHP program activity, as well as the by 57% campaigns for Drought and Volunteer week
• 33 Tweets during this period
− @mentions 31 • Engagements increased on the previous − Retweets 46 quarter. − Tweet likes 60 − Retweet with comment 4
11 General RAMHP Program Updates
Overview of Twitter Data Figure 2: Top performing tweets during the period Apr – Jun 2018
12 General RAMHP Program Updates
Overview of Social Media Apr – Jun 2018 Drought Campaign Messages about drought played a significant part of this quarters posts. Posts included where people could attend information session, articles on planning for drier times, and tips on how to look after the mental health for you and those around you.
Friday Forum Unfortunately, due to technical issues with the platform, we have been unable to continue with the Friday Forums. The RAMHP Team are currently exploring options for future projects with The Land.
Conferences and Events RAMHP Coordinators have been busy presenting at conferences such as the state-wide Country Women's Association of NSW Conference, that 600 Women attended, and Warialda Men’s Health Night with 200 Men attending.
Volunteer week RAMHP ran a campaign for Volunteer Week, with social media tiles, the launch of a new Volunteer Wellbeing training course and blogs from some of the team about volunteering.
13 Data Considerations
This RAMHP Quarterly Update Report 2 represents the second period of data collected using the RAMHP App in 2018.
There are a number of considerations which must be taken into account when interpreting the results of this Report. These include:
• The correctness of data from the RAMHP App relies on the accurate data entry of the RAMHP Coordinators
• Additionally, annual leave taken by RAMHP Coordinators during the reporting period may impact on their data presented in this Report.
14 RAMHP Updates by Program Component
LINK TRAIN INFORM
15 LINK
How Many People Were Linked?
Chart 2: Number of Links Oct. 2017 – Jun. 2018, by Linkage Chart 3: Proportion of Links Apr. – Jun. 2018, by Method of Type Linkage
6% 1%
7% 303 26%
I met them at a community event or meeting
10% They attended training I delivered 240 I provided linking advice to a professional in my partnerships/networks 693 Through phone or email contact
Number Links Number of 191 422 The ‘person in need’ works for a service in my partnerships/networks 165 The ‘person in need’ was referred from another service Other Oct - Dec 2017 Jan - Mar 2018 Apr - Jun 2018 19% Quarter
31% Linked someone to services/resources to help someone else Linked someone to services/resources for themselves
Note: 449 cases were not included as they were group links i.e. when a group of people are linked at the same time for a specific issue. Source: RAMHP App Source: RAMHP App
• From April to June 2018, 996 people were linked to mental health • During April to June 2018, just over half of all links occurred when support services or resources by RAMHP Coordinators. This is the RAMHP Coordinators delivered training (n=172, 31%) or attended largest number of people linked by RAMHP since the RAMHP App a community event (n=141, 26%). was first used in July 2016. • A high proportion of linkages also occurred by providing advice to • The majority of links (n=693, 70%) were people seeking another professional (n=106, 19%). Being contacted by other assistance for themselves. professionals highlights RAMHP Coordinators' role as experts regarding the services and resources in their area. 16 LINK
What Symptoms Or Issues Were RAMHP Coordinators Assisting With?
Chart 4: The Ten Most Frequent Symptoms Identified when Linking, Apr. – Jun. 2018
Physical health concerns 93
Service quality or access issue 120
Relationship concerns 149
Work or financial concerns 153
Pre-existing mental health disorder 158
Grief and loss 170
Symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder 185
Change in behaviour 276
Disaster or adverse event 416
Stress 474 Number of Times a Symptom is Selected
Note: A symptom or issue can be selected multiple times (N=2,585).
Source: RAMHP App
• The most common issues or symptoms RAMHP Coordinators assisted with were stress (n=474, 18%) and/or disaster or adverse event (n=416, 16%). The fires in Southern NSW and widespread drought have been particular concerns for RAMHP’s linkage service this quarter. • Service quality or access issue (n=120, 5%) appeared among the ten most frequently identified symptoms for the first time. 17 These were spread across the state, so there is no indication of a reason for the increase. LINK
What Support Or Resources Were Suggested By RAMHP Coordinators?
Chart 5: Number of Times a Type of Support or Resource was Suggested, Apr. – Jun. 2018
Child protection services 3 Legal aid 19 Housing assistance service 21 Education support services 25 Social worker 27 Non-Gov MH Team 29 Alcohol or Other Drug Service 37 Material or financial assistance service 42 Other 42 Family or relationship service 55 Emergency services 59 Carer support service 61 Rural assistance services 72 Social support group 75 Employment support services 75 Youth services 86 CMHT 143 Other mental health telephone support service 153 Private specialist 244 Website information, online therapy or e-mental health 248 MH Line or Accessline 288 Printed information 419 GP 504 I provided strategies 508 Number of Times a Suggestion was Given
Note: A support or resource can be selected multiple times (N=3,235).
Source: RAMHP App
• The most common service recommendation provided by RAMHP Coordinators remains visiting their GP (n=504, 16%) • Providing printed information (n=419, 13%), the Mental Health Line or Accessline (n=288, 9%) and website information, online therapy or e-mental health (n=248, 8%) were other frequently provided suggestions • In addition to linking people to services and/or resources, RAMHP Coordinators provided strategies (e.g. sleep hygiene) during 18 16% (n= 508) of all links. LINK
Coordinator's stories from t h o s e w e h e l p - supporting people through disasters I spoke with an elderly woman whose home was damaged in fires. The woman is unable to I had contact with a young dairy farm hand who was go back home until structural damage is fixed. not coping well with the fallout from a botulism She believes the insurance company are outbreak. They were drinking more than usual and prolonging this process due to her age. I linked wanting to change jobs and locations. I linked them her to legal aid. into the rural counselling service with Grand Pacific Health. A farmer called me wanting to find out how he could access counselling services in his town. He was struggling with the current dry conditions, plus a recent relationship breakdown. I linked Someone from my professional network wanted assistance him to a local counselling service with the recent loss of their house in a bush fire. They were and provided him with the Mental unsure where to go for assistance. I linked them to legal aid Health Line for further assistance. and a recovery centre.
A Department of Human Services worker contacted me seeking information and support for a farming family impacted by I spoke with a man who was expressing hopelessness and drought. The family have multiple significant debts and bills and helplessness in regards to care of stock because of the drought. are unable to manage with the current dry conditions. I He also has grief issues in relation to two family deaths a contacted the family myself. They were reluctant to engage with number of years ago. He described trouble eating and sleeping, local counselling or health services or telephone services, and poor decision making processes and increased agitation and don’t travel out of their area much. A Salvation Army Chaplain anger. He had been in A&E with CMHT staff but found this of no will visit to provide emotional support and possibly some benefit. I arranged for him to have a psychiatric assessment and material or financial support. contacted Farm Aid so he could receive hay. 19 TRAIN
How Much Training Was Delivered?
Chart 6: Number of Training Courses Delivered, by Course Type, Chart 7: Number of Training Participants, Oct. 2017 – Jun. 2018 Oct. 2017 – Jun. 2018
168 3 18
39 104 100 3 12 38 42 31 3,424 22 2,594 1 29 49
Number of Training Courses 27 1,741 21 13 7 17 Oct-Dec 2017 Jan-Mar 2018 Apr-Jun 2018 Number of Training Participants Quarter Oct-Dec 2017 Jan-Mar 2018 Apr-Jun 2018
CSS WSS HISS TT MHFA W&Y VW Total Total number of training participants across all training courses
Source: RAMHP App Source: RAMHP App
• From April to June 2018, 168 training courses were delivered by RAMHP Coordinators. This is the largest number of training • RAMHP Coordinators delivered training to 3,424 participants this courses since the RAMHP App was first used in July 2016. quarter. Aligning with the large number of courses delivered, this • The most common training course delivered was Workplace represents the highest number of participants per quarter since the Support Skills (n=49, 29%). RAMHP App was first used in July 2016. • The new Volunteer Wellbeing training course, launched in April • On average each course contained 20 participants. 20 2018, was delivered 3 times this quarter. TRAIN
Who Did RAMHP Coordinators Train?
Chart 8: Number of Training Courses, Audience Type, Apr. – Jun. 2018
Community group or organisation 31 Examples of Organisations Primary industry 22 Trained Mixed welfare services 21
Other government or council 17
Education 15 • Country Women’s Association
Mental health 14 • Dubbo Zoo
General Community Members 8 • Moree Library
Physical health (eg medical) 7 • Biripi Aboriginal Medical Service
Heavy industry 7 • ANZ Business Banking and Agribusiness Other Private Business 5 • Surf Life Saving NSW Other 4 • Uniting Church Audience Type Youth 4 • Carevan Foundation Aboriginal 3 • St Vincent de Paul Society Carers 2 • Aboriginal Chronic Disease Sports 2 Support Group Police or emergency services 2 • Royal Flying Doctor Service Disability 1 Dental Team Employment 1 • Marmantha Retirement Village AOD 1 • University of NSW Rural Medical Consumers (of mental health and other services) 1 School Number of Training Courses • Centrelink Source: RAMHP App
• Training courses were predominantly comprised of a number of different disciplines employed by Community Groups or Organisations (n=31, 18%), Primary Industry (n=22, 13%) and Mixed Welfare Services (n=21, 13%). • The new Volunteer Wellbeing training course was delivered to Surf Life Saving Clubs in Forster, Sawtell and Port Macquarie. 21 INFORM
What Audiences Were Reached Through Community Events?
Chart 9: Coordinator Attendance at Community Events, by Audience Type, Apr. – Jun. 2018
Farming 48
General community 34
Youth 7
Aboriginal 6
Elderly 5
Men 3
Fire affected communities 3
Women 2 AudienceType
Students 1
Consumers 1
Service Providers 1
Homeless 1
Drought agencies 1 Note: Events which are attended by more than one
Disability 1 RAMHP Coordinator are recorded more than once in the chart above Coordinator Attendance at Community Events Source: RAMHP App
• Farming (n=48, 42%) overtook General Community (n=34, 30%) as the most common community events attended by RAMHP Coordinators since the RAMHP App was first used in July 2016. This was due to the large number of drought-related events taking place across NSW. 22 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] Appendix 9
The University of Newcastle – Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health crrmh.com.au