CENTRE FOR RURAL & REMOTE MENTAL HEALTH
Quarterly Report April – June 2020 About the CRRMH
The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) is based in Orange NSW and is a major rural initiative of the University of Newcastle and the NSW Ministry of Health. Our staff are located across rural and remote NSW.
The Centre is committed to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural and remote communities. We focus on the following key areas:
• the promotion of good mental health and the prevention of mental illness;
• developing the mental health system to better meet the needs of people living in rural and remote regions; and
• understanding and responding to rural suicide. Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
As the Australian Collaborating Centre for the International Foundation for PO Box 8043 Integrated Care, we promote patient-centred rather than provider-focused Orange East NSW 2800 care that integrates mental and physical health concerns. T +61 2 6363 8444 E [email protected] As part of the University of Newcastle, all of our activities are underpinned by research evidence and evaluated to ensure appropriateness and effectiveness.
crrmh.com.au @crrmh @crrmhnsw /company/crrmh
2 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 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) 19
Staff News 22
Appendix 21
3 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Director’s Report Centre Director Professor David Perkins
The second quarter of 2020 was not what we expected in our planning for the year. The combination of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 changed the landscape in which rural people live and the patterns of service delivery considered safe for clients and providers. Direct impacts of this process included the cessation of opportunities for face-to-face community interactions and the urgent need to develop virtual alternatives that were accessible and effective. For many, the restrictions of travel and association added to the normal burdens of distress due to illness and loneliness and the health impacts of these stressors are yet to be seen in full.
The challenges faced by rural communities resulted in new rural service developments funded by state and federal governments and by charitable donations. These responses have added to the complexity of rural mental health services and many new roles and responsibilities have had to be developed and understood. Each Local Health District adopted approaches that suited local needs and there are considerable differences in the service mix available across rural NSW. Linking people to appropriate services, the role of our RAMHP program, has become even more important.
During this time, Centre staff and RAMHP Coordinators had to adapt their ways of working and find new ways of communicating with their communities as normal events were cancelled, and preparations and plans postponed or delayed.
The CRRMH has adopted a multi-platform approach for many years and so we were well positioned to deliver new online solutions during this time. This includes addressing men’s mental health with the launch of You Got This Mate, rural small business owner with the Ahead for Business Wellbeing of rural business owners project and enhanced online resources on our websites. Online versions of RAMHP's training programs will also be launched soon.
Our CRRMH administrative staff were able to facilitate working from home arrangements in days and as this report shows there was no loss in productivity. A particular thank you is due to the leadership team of Tessa Cummins, Hazel Dalton, Rosie Dunnett and Vanessa Delaney who completed the Proposed Business Plan for 2021+ which is a requirement for our continued funding by NSW Health’s Mental Health Branch. Hazel and Tessa also did a remarkable job when they were called upon to act as Directors in my absence.
On the research front, Emma Austin was awarded her PhD for her work on the links between drought and mental health and we look forward to continuing this collaboration moving forwards.
Finally, rural NSW is often thought of as the west and the coastal communities are forgotten. The CRRMH has entered into an exciting new partnership with Landcare, Surf Lifesaving NSW and Gotcha 4 Life which brings the country and the coast together. We look forward to the promotion of mental fitness in these communities and strong relationships with our partners. We are more effective when we understand the evidence and work collaboratively.
Stay safe, David Perkins
4 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Snapshot of the Quarter
Research John Hoskin Library Connections Communications Online Connections
The Orange New Dr Scott Fitzpatrick was Wellbeing in Declaration paper The New men’s mental John Hoskin Library invited to speak at a Rural Small Business ranked 9th most guide webpage now live on health website You Got webpages created in Ministerial Roundtable the University of Newcastle This Mate launched in conjunction with the downloaded article on Male Suicide in website April Ahead for Business on Wiley’s Online NSW on 26 May Library research project
Partnerships Partnerships RAMHP Staff News
Text text 396 people linked to Executive Support Major collaboration care Officer Janice between RAMHP, 41 training courses Whittingham and Gotcha4Life, Landcare delivered to 695 RAMHP Coordinator and Surf Life Saving participants Team Leader Kate NSW announced 83 community events Elligett welcomed to attended the team
5 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Research Compiled by Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy
Published this quarter: 2 papers, 5 blogs and 1 short article
Published: Professor David The Orange Declaration Published: Dr Emma Austin’s Perkins’ blog on The Orange ranked 9th most downloaded blog - rural residents’ biggest Declaration for the International article on Wiley’s Online concerns about climate Foundation for Integrated Care Library change.
For more detailed information please see Appendices 1-5
6 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 John Hoskin Library Compiled by Centre Librarian Paul Stanfield
Library Updates Note: Figures are for May & June only, due to staff leave taken in April
• COVID-19 precautions taken to minimise staff exposure to visitors has affected library activity this quarter. Library Total • Short ready reference inquires were down compared to last quarter. Overall, ready reference Activity inquiries were down from 110 to 86. Short reference 86
• Interlibrary loan requests - GRATIS increased for CRRMH staff from 3 to 7, but were down for Interlibrary loans 16 requests - Western NSW LHD staff from 20 to 2. GRATIS • Requests supplied from the CRRMH library were up from 111 to 227. Of these requests, 170 were for Interlibrary loan 2 Western NSW LHD staff. requests - UON Interlibrary loans 5 • Loans were largely not possible during the quarter due to COVID-19 precautions, with one loan incomplete supplied in June. Requests 227 • 19 Literature searches were performed for Western NSW LHD staff, and 2 were performed for supplied from CRRMH library CRRMH staff. Requests 7 • The John Hoskin library guide webpage has been completed and is now live on the University of supplied external Newcastle website. to CRRMH library
Loans 1 Connections with UON
• CRRMH Librarian Paul Stanfield continues to consult with UON Senior Research librarian Debbie Booth. This quarter weeding criteria for the CRRMH library collection was established; the draft is currently under review by management.
7 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Connections Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney
• Dr Scott Fitzpatrick was invited to speak at a Ministerial Roundtable on Male Suicide in NSW on 26 May. The webinar also involved several 'breakout’ discussions. Together with Tessa Cummins and Claire Gander from our RAMHP team, Scott contributed to a discussion of male suicide prevention in rural and remote NSW. Key findings from these discussions were captured and will be reported back to the Minister and her team.
• CRRMH Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and RAMHP Coordinator Phil Worrad have joined the Orange Suicide Prevention Network which is a group of local mental health service providers and people with a lived experience of suicide who meet monthly. The group plan local community engagement activities throughout the year, such as World Suicide Prevention Day and RUOK Day.
• RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Cummins was invited to be a judge for the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) “Hack Day” on 16 June. The inaugural online event saw teams of health practitioners, mental health advocates, researchers, students and people with a lived experience work together to find solutions to a workplace mental health problem. SIRA is represented on the NSW Mentally Healthy Workplaces Sector Group along with the CRRMH.
8 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Connections cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney
• Lucy McEvoy and Dr Kris Gottschall from the research team attended the first session of the virtual Western Health Research Network (WHRN) Symposium on 11 June. The symposium, “By Us, For Us, With Us” was attended by about 160 and focused on online and digital for rural communities. Specifically, presenters spoke about research with and for Indigenous Australians and the possibility of online engagement with Indigenous communities. This was the first of a series of sessions as part of By Us, For Us, With Us.
• RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Cummins has joined the DPI COVID-19 Regional Affairs Working Group. The cross-industry working group will share advice and contribute to a coordinated approach, ensuring rural communities are supported throughout the COVID-19 journey. Other organisations represented include NSW Farmers, CWA, Rural Agricultural Show Society NSW, Local Land Services and Service NSW. This has been a valuable forum to share RAMHP and the CRRMH’s COVID-19 specific resources and assist our partners to tackle the complex challenges COVID-19 poses to rural NSW.
• On 11 June the CRRMH Leadership Team met with our Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor via Zoom. The Leadership Team were able to provide Minister Taylor with a comprehensive update on the CRRMH and RAMHP’s response to the bushfires and COVID- 19 as well as key partnership developments with RAMHP, Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW and Surf Lifesavers NSW. The CRRMH’s refunding process was discussed and Minister Taylor has indicated her support for continued funding.
9 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Communications Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston
Collateral
• It was great to see our work featured as one of the University of Newcastle’s • COVID-19 derailed progress of the Research Impact Studies, which recognises how the CRRMH has tackled suicide production of series 4 of the Let’s Talk rates in rural and remote Australia. We worked with the University’s Research and podcast. As staff moved the office to Innovation Division for several months to provide information for the study, which working from home and navigated the describes how we have built the evidence for rural and remote needs and outlines challenges presented by the new some of our key projects, including RAMHP, We-Yarn, You Got This Mate, Let’s Talk arrangement, the focus of work shifted to podcast series, How Are you Going poster and the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health. addressing distress caused by COVID-19 in rural communities. It was also felt that • Our new commissioned artwork from indigenous artist Trudy Sloane has now been releasing the podcast later in 2020 would completed as the development of the How You Going poster for Indigenous be more appropriate as the media has communities continues in consultation with our stakeholders. The “Circles of been saturated with COVID-19 reporting. A Connection” artwork is hanging in the CRRMH’s building in Orange along with the meeting was held with the podcast story behind the artwork, which describes the use of the various elements and colours producer, Kia Handley, who agreed and we of the artwork. decided it would be an opportunity to release a one-time, special COVID-19 podcast. Tessa Cummins (nee Caton) and Letitia Cross provided some insightful and helpful commentary for the special episode which can be listened to here. It is expected production of the podcast series will occur in August, with the release of episodes in September.
10 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Communications Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney and Communications Coordinator Jocie Johnston
Media
• To respond to the COVID-19 crisis, the team identified opportunities to work • The following three media releases were with the media to deliver relevant and useful information to help communities distributed this quarter: cope with the pandemic. This included developing a special edition of our ‘Let’s Talk Rural Mental Health’ podcast series produced by journalist Kia April 7: Mental health support for our rural and Handley. The podcast: COVID 19 and your mental health was launched on remote communities 11 April and has had over 1,286 listens. We also helped coordinate interviews with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) team and their local media delivering messages of support for rural communities April 30: New men's website helps rural men and relevant information and helplines to cope with COVID-19. reach their best possible mental health
• We rescheduled the launch of RAMHP’s new website You Got This Mate to June 16: Men share their stories to spark coincide with a reduction in COVID-19 related news. The website was discussion around mental health launched at the end of April and was also promoted heavily during Men’s Health Week (14-20 June). The subsequent interviews and articles surrounding the ‘You Got This Mate Website’ were very positive and can be seen in the media activity appendix below.
• On 11 June we held an internal ‘Lunch and Learn’ session: Media skills for all the RAMHP team via Zoom. A panel consisting of four RAMHP Coordinators shared their knowledge, insights and expertise on working with the media. The session covered topics such as preparing for an interview, building rapport, dealing with tricky questions and active self-reflection. The feedback from the session was very positive.
For a full list of media activity please see Appendix 6
11 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Online Connections Compiled by Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton
Website Analytics Date 1 April – 30 June 2020 • A collection of new webpages were uploaded to the website during May, CRRMH RAMHP as part of the community engagement 12,060 website sessions (-1%) 4,757 website sessions (-23%) aspect of the Ahead for Business research project. The pages titled Average website session 1:33 mins Average website session 1:52 mins Wellbeing in Rural Small Business, Top 5 pages Top 5 pages offer resources and information on the 1. Homepage 3,248 views 1. Homepage 2,768 views unique challenges of small business 2. Blog: It’s grief… 1,848 views 2. Web & phone support 725 views owners in rural NSW. The webpages 3. Coronavirus webpage 911 views 3. Downloadable resources 593 views play a key role in the recruitment of 4. Downloadable resources 664 views 4. Find a coordinator 559 views contributors for a new blog series 5. ARMHS research 597 views 5. About us 356 views launching in July.
New website additions
April 3: We asked rural residents ‘what’s your biggest concern about climate change?’ – here’s what you said 109 views April 8: A Juggling Act 412 views April 22: Change and how it impacts on your ability to think logically 200 views May 4: The Orange Declaration paper ranked in Top 10 59 views May 5: COVID-19: A male perspective 143 views May 8: 10 tips for connecting with older relative in COVID-19 times 181 views May 14: Refuelling for the long road ahead 332 views May 18: Wellbeing in Rural Small Business webpage 262 views May 19: Wellbeing: how to get some and maintain it when life hands you buckets of sh …lemons 268 views May 26: Wellbeing in rural small business 119 views June 5: Get grubby, it’s good for you 119 views June 16: Men share their stories to spark discussion around mental health 88 views June 26: Inside Out 52 views June 29: What do I know about being a man? Nothing, absolutely nothing 31 views
12 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Online Connections cont. Compiled by Marketing Officer Ashleigh Middleton
Social Media Analytics 1 April – 30 June 2020 • The CRRMH Conversations enewsletter continues to be Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram sent to subscribers with the CRRMH 984 followers (+2%) 2,906 page likes 123 followers following results: 33 tweets posted (+3%) (+54%) 213 post 68 posts 21 posts - April edition: 39% open rate engagements (+1%) 2,099 post 137 post engagements engagements 12% click rate (-22%) (-26%) May edition: 35% open rate RAMHP 630 followers (+7%) 2,781 page likes 128 followers 524 followers 12% click rate 19 tweets posted (+9%) (+100%) (+19%) 388 post 63 posts 13 posts 25 posts engagements 10,159 post 111 post 665 post June edition: 36% open rate (-18%) engagements engagements engagements 3% click rate (-28%) (+91%) (-9%)
• During April, CRRMH social media channels took part in the National Mental Health Commission’s #InThisTogether campaign. The aim of the campaign was to provide simple tips to relieve feelings of isolation and anxiety during the lockdown period. The combined posts were seen by over 7,400 people.
• Social media was used to recruit people to share their story on mental health and wellbeing as a small business owner. These stories will become a blog series launching in July in partnership with Everymind.
13 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Partnerships Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy
Academic partnerships
• We are working alongside the National Enterprise for Rural Community Wellbeing (University of SA), the National Centre for Farmer Health (Deakin University), the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (Griffith University) and rural-based Suicide Prevention Networks and organisations to produce community-based strategies for suicide prevention that are specifically designed for men in farming occupations. To ensure these strategies are driven and supported by local communities, Phase One of the project involved a series of focus groups with suicide prevention networks and key stakeholders in suicide prevention in SA, VIC, NSW and QLD. These were conducted in 2019 and an interim report is currently being prepared for key stakeholders. Phase Two involves interviews with men in farming occupations. Dr Scott Fitzpatrick has completed interviews for the NSW site and an interim report is currently being prepared for the NSW Department of Primary Industries (a major funder of the work). Interviews have also been completed for SA, while interviews are currently underway in Victoria.
• In April, we hosted a Rural Adversity Research Workshop via Zoom with our collaborators from the Orange Declaration – discussing and refining an academic paper on rural adversity and its impact on mental health. Collaborators included Prof Jane Farmer and Dr Amir Aryani from the Social Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology; Prof Luis Salvador-Carulla and Dr Nasser Bagheri from the Centre for Mental Health Research, ANU; A/Prof Georgina Luscombe, University of Sydney School of Rural Health; Dr Mat Coleman, UWA; and Prof Brian Kelly, UON. The paper will be submitted for publication by August.
14 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy
Industry partnerships
• We were approached by Essential Energy to conduct a review of their approach to mental health. The project aims to support them to create a mental health strategy that is suited to their workforce, which is distributed across rural and remote NSW. We conducted 48 interviews with workers from across the state and organisation to learn about their job satisfaction, stress, burnout and overall mental health. We compared these perceptions to the existing plans at Essential Energy to see what was successful and appropriate and what was missing. Through a series of workshops and evidence reviews, we developed recommendations to assist the company with their mental health strategy.
• This year RAMHP and Gotcha 4 Life have joined forces with Landcare and Surf Lifesaving NSW to support the mental wellbeing of coastal and rural communities of NSW. We will work together to seek external funding for the roll-out mental fitness weeks across the state. These events will be developed in collaboration with local Landcare representatives, RAMHP Coordinators and community champions to ensure the best fit for each region. They may include a combination of ‘Tomorrow Man’ and ‘Tomorrow Woman’ workshops in schools, sports clubs and community centres, our Community and Workplace Support Skills training, Gotcha4Life led presentations (including talks from Gus Worland) and community discussions. Initial plans are to roll out in the Murrumbidgee, South Coast and Parkes regions, and a formal launch of this partnership is planned for July. At this stage, the chosen locations are largely driven by the availability of external funds to support Gotcha 4 Life’s various workshops.
15 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Partnerships cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney, RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton and Research Assistant Lucy McEvoy
Industry partnerships cont.
• We have joined the Australian Men’s Health Forum which is the peak body for men's health in Australia, focusing on the social factors that shape men and boys' health. This partnership will support the work we are doing in rural men’s mental health through our You Got This Mate website which was officially launched in April. It was also great to be a part of the Australian Men’s Mental Health Forum online summit on June 4, where Claire Gander and Lauren Dunkley from our RAMHP team talked about the new website with a variety of experts and practitioners who joined the online summit. CRRMH Research Associate Joanna Lawrence-Bourne also attended two sessions of the Forum.
• Our partnership with Everymind’s Ahead for Business project, which aims to support the mental health of people who own or work in small business, has progressed this quarter with the launch of the Wellbeing in Rural Small Business blog series. We received a tremendous response following a call-out for stories from small business owners about how they have prioritised mental health and wellbeing in the face of COVID-19,.We will be publishing the blog series from July in the lead-up to the research component of this project commencing once ethics approval is finalised. We have also established a new webpage which hosts many resources for small business owners.
16 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Compiled by RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton
Program Updates
• The number of people linked to services decreased significantly between April – June Train, Link and Inform 1 April – 30 June 2020 2020. This is a combined result of the changes to RAMHP Coordinator work practices required due to COVID-19 pandemic and activity returning to a more sustainable level after 396 people linked to care the bushfire season. 41 training courses delivered to • The level of training conducted by RAMHP Coordinators over this period has decreased 695 participants significantly (65%) due to the restrictions placed on face-to-face activities. 83 community events attended • RAMHP Coordinators responded rapidly to the changes to their work practices this quarter, switching their focus to more creative ways of community engagement and support through: • Increased blog and video development for social media • Adapting training and forums to online delivery • Partner webinar participation • Targeted media interactions • COVID-19 tailored resource development • Leveraging existing partnerships to maintain connectedness to the community.
• Transition to online training delivery continues, with the RAMHP ‘Wellbeing and You’ training package now available for RAMHP Coordinators to incorporate in their training plans.
• The RAMHP Face to Face meeting in June went ‘virtual’, with the team taking the opportunity to support and engage with each other online, and share information and key learnings on operating in the current environment.
17 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) cont. Compiled by RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton
Program Updates cont.
• The official launch of the You Got This Mate website occurred at the end of April, with significant promotion through social media, e-newsletter, and media channels.
• The level of compounding adversity remains extremely high across NSW with RAMHP Coordinators assisting both drought, bushfire and COVID-19 impacted communities.
• RAMHP Coordinators have commenced a measured return to face to face engagement and training in line with LHD and State government mandated restrictions and guidelines.
• The 2019 Annual Report and the latest evaluation report, Community Representatives’ Report were released.
• The RAMHP team provided feedback to the Department of Regional NSW on their Draft NSW Drought Resilience Strategy.
People Updates
• Jamie Kuerschner commenced as the second Far West RAMHP Coordinator, based in Broken Hill.
• Kate Elligett commenced as the new RAMHP Coordinator Team Leader, based in Orange NSW.
18 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Staff News Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney
Goodbyes and Hellos
During this quarter we welcomed three new people to our team:
• Janice Whittingham is our new Executive Support Coordinator. Janice and her family recently relocated from Bathurst to Orange, marking her 28th house and fifth regional area! Janice has an Arts/Law degree from UNSW and recently re-entered the workforce after a long break at home bringing up her children and volunteering in schools and churches. She loves puzzles, people and power tools. Janice is looking forward to freeing the Leadership Team up to concentrate on what they do best for the service of rural and remote communities.
• Kate Elligett has been appointed as the RAMHP Coordinator Team Leader, a new position to Janice Whittingham support our RAMHP Coordinator team which has grown significantly over the last 18 months. Kate is Sydney born and bred and moved to Orange in 2015 for a tree-change. She describes herself as a coffee-loving Excel nerd with a passion for client service, who gets excited by systems and processes and supporting teams to bring the whole picture together. Kate’s 20+ year career spans across the corporate, government and hospitality sectors, with previous roles including work in face-to-face and remote client service delivery, training and event management, executive support and project coordination. Kate is excited about the collaboration and shared learning opportunities that her new role presents, and is already enjoying working with the RAMHP Coordinators and RAMHP team to support the inspiring work that is undertaken every day.
Kate Elligett
19 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Staff News cont. Compiled by Senior Development Officer Vanessa Delaney
Hellos and goodbyes cont.
• We are delighted to welcome our newest RAMHP Coordinator Jamie Kuerschner to the team. Jamie is based in Broken Hill and will work closely with communities across the Far West Local Health District alongside RAMHP Coordinator Marie Kelly. Jamie grew up on a sheep and cattle station near Mulparinka and now lives on a property near Menindee. She commenced her career in agribusiness under the NAB Agribusiness Program and then moved onto the health sector where she was a Drought Relief Peer Support Worker before taking up her current role. Jamie has a strong understanding of the impact of drought on mental health and is looking forward to bringing her skills to RAMHP and her community. Jamie Kuerschner
Achievements
• Congratulations to Dr Emma Austin, who was awarded her PhD in the University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences in June. Emma's thesis involved quantifying the relationships between drought, wellbeing and adaptive capacity in rural communities. CRRMH Director Professor David Perkins has supervised Emma through her studies and we have enjoyed working with her across her project.
Training
• In April, staff attended an online training session run by the University of Newcastle in using Microsoft Emma Austin Teams as a platform to collaborate internally. This useful tool enabled us to stay in touch in real-time and keep the wheels turning during the period when we were required to work from home due to COVID-19.
• During lockdown in April and May staff also attended a range of webinars about how to work effectively from home and strategies to look after our mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.
20 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 1: Research
• Dr Emma Austin from the Centre for Water, Climate and Land contributed a blog in April - ‘We asked rural residents “What’s your biggest concern about climate change?” – Here’s what you said’.
• Professor David Perkins contributed a blog on The Orange Declaration to the International Foundation for Integrated Care in April.
• Also in April, Professor David Perkins was a panellist on an International Foundation for Integrated Care webinar ‘Supporting Resilient Communities in Times of Public Health Crisis’. Find out more and watch the webinar here.
• IFIC Australia’s April e-newsletter highlighted the many virtual integrated care events on the horizon, amongst other things.
• Dr Scott Fitzpatrick was invited to speak at a Ministerial Roundtable on Male Suicide in NSW in May. The webinar also involved several 'breakout’ discussions. Together with RAMHP’s, Tessa Caton and Claire Gander, Dr Fitzpatrick contributed to a discussion of male suicide prevention in rural and remote NSW. Key findings from these discussions were captured and will be reported back to the Minister and her team.
• In May, The Orange Declaration paper published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health was ranked ninth most downloaded article on Wiley’s Online Library (2018-2019). Only 6 months old, this signal’s the paper’s potential for further impact.
• Research Associate, Dr Kristina Gottschall contributed a blog on rural wellbeing in small business in May to kick off a blog series to be launched as part of the Ahead for Business project in early July. We look forward to finding out more about rural small businesses’ mental health and wellbeing needs to better target what support we can give them.
• In June, CRRMH held a workshop with 10 Essential Energy staff to discuss the main themes from interviews conducted. The mental health- related strengths and gaps of policies and practices in the company were highlighted. Overall, the strengths and culture at Essential Energy can enable them to continue to build the mental health and wellbeing of all staff through limiting stressors and improving support. A final report and presentation of the recommendations will take place in July.
• As CRRMH staff continued to work from home during COVID-19, the following blogs provided an insight into our new ‘normal’:
• Research Assistant, Lucy McEvoy’s blog ‘A Juggling Act’.
• Research Associate, Dr Kristina Gottschall’s blog ‘10 tips for connecting with older relatives in COVID-19 times’.
21 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 2: Proposals
Pending 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. Professor 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).
National Dementia Support Program submitted by La Trobe University and led by Professor Irene Blackberry. Awareness and Stigma Reduction Campaigns. VERILY consortium. $1,494,643.62 (Submitted 3 April 2019).
Unsuccessful Proposals Health economic analysis of the Central Coast LHD FRSIS, was submitted to CCLHD (as part of Regional Health Partners funding pool) Expression of Interest.
22 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 3: Publications
Published Publications Farmer, J., McCosker, A., Kamstra, P., Perkins, D., Dalton, H., Powell, N., Salvador-Carulla, L., Bagheri, H., Bishop, L., Gardiner, F., Greco, M., Smith, J., Hislop, C., Somerville, R., Blanchard, M., Potter, S., Banks, C., Starling, M. (2020). Mapping the hidden voices in rural mental health. Report Phase Two. Social Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology.
Heinsch, M., Sampson, D., Huens, V., Handley, T., Hanstock, T., Harris, K., Kay-Lambkin, F. (2020). Understanding ambivalence in help-seeking for suicidal people with comorbid depression and alcohol misuse. PLOS ONE.
Handley, T., Rich, J., Lewin, T., Kelly, B. (2020). Financial and employment difficulties predict depression among rural Australians. Short article prepared for the Australian Health Economics Society.
Pending Publications Perkins, D. Rural and remote mental health and wellbeing article for ACU Review. The Association of Commonwealth Universities. Accepted April 2020.
Submitted Publications Lum, A., Skelton, E., McCarter, K., Handley, T., Judd, L., Bonevski, B. Factors that influence smoking cessation interventions effectiveness for people living in rural and remote areas: A systematic review protocol. Submitted to BMC Public Health.
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. Submitted to Australian Journal of Rural Health.
Pending Submissions Berg, E., Wilhlem, K., Handley, T. Is there an association between dietary habits and recurrent deliberate self-harm? BMC Psychiatry, submitted 6 August 2019.
Handley, T., Lewin, T., Butterworth, P., Kelly, B. Employment and retirement impacts on health and wellbeing among a sample of rural Australians. BMC Public Health, submitted 24 February 2020.
Peters, I., Handley, T., Oakley, K., Lutkin, S., Perkins, D. What factors influence the psychological wellbeing of children and adolescents in rural NSW? Short article prepared for the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health. Submitted 30 January 2020.
Unsuccessful 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, International Journal of Public Health.
23 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 4: Conferences
Submitted Lawrence-Bourne, J. Rural Adversity and mental health: better understanding for improved wellbeing. Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium, Canberra, 26 – 28 October.
Accepted Fitzpatrick, S.J. Remaking life and death: Reflections on the use of coronial case reports in research. The Fourth Conference of the Critical Suicide Studies Network, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 12 – 13 June 2020. POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19.
Blackberry, I., Wilding, C., Morgan, D., Perkins, D. et al. Lessons from a pragmatic trial of virtual dementia friendly rural communities in Australia. Australian Dementia Forum 2020. 31 May – 2 June. POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19.
24 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 5: PhD Students
• Congratulations to Dr Emma Austin. Emma was awarded her degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science on 15 June.
• 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.
Emma Austin Sophun Moch
• In May, Dr Scott Fitzpatrick was invited to act as Academic Supervisor on Dr Zoi Triandafilidis’ 2020 Suicide Prevention Australia Post-Doctoral Fellowship Application titled: Amplifying the Voice and Role of Family and Friends in Recovery Following a Suicide Attempt: A Mixed-Methods Study.
• Also in May, Dr Hazel Dalton provided CRRMH support to Ms. Kylie Crnek-Georgeson in her post-doctoral application for the 2020 Suicide Prevention Australia Post-Doctoral Fellowship Application titled: Understanding suicide risk during transition to retirement in rural Australia.
25 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link
April 1.04.2020 Forbes Advocate Blog | It’s grief and I’m RAMHP 4.81K https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6706213/its-grief- feeling it too: RAMHP Coordinator Letitia and-im-feeling-it-too-rahmp-coordinator-letitia-cross/ Coordinator Letitia Cross Cross 2.04.2020 Law Society A light in the darkest RAMHP 3.56K https://lsj.com.au/articles/a-light-in-the-darkest-moments/ Journal moments Coordinator Steve Carrigg quoted 7.04.2020 ABC Rural with RAMHP support during RAMHP Program https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nsw-country-hour/nsw- Producer Michael COVID-19 Manager Tessa country-hour/12112682 (17mins 29 secs in) Condon Caton interviewed (MR) 9.04.2020 Parkes Phoenix Make mental health a RAMHP mentioned 1.36K https://www.parkesphoenix.com.au/make-mental-health-a- priority priority/ 10.04.2020 Southern Mental health support is a RAMHP Program 16.5K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/iXXs3gvVh3OL Highland News phone call away Manager Tessa -6xNKDzaZP0ji3I Caton quoted (MR) 11.04.2020 Podcast – Special Let’s Talk podcast: RAMHP Program https://www.crrmh.com.au/get-help-now/self-help- Edition special edition – Coping Manager Tessa resources/podcasts/episode-special-covid-19-mental-health/ with COVID-19 Caton and RAMHP Coordinator Letitia Cross 14.04.2020 Lithgow Mercury, Managing stress during RAMHP 7.58K https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/6720377/managing- Mudgee Guardian uncertainty Coordinator Di Gill plus your-stress-during-uncertainty/ 9.27K
26 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link
April 14.04.2020 Crookwell Being kind can be good RAMHP 2.08K https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6717781/being- Gazette, Yass for our mental health Coordinator Judy kind-can-be-good-for-our-mental-health/ Tribune, Carmody Goulburn Post 15.04.2020 Forbes Advocate Mental health support on RAMHP Manager 4.81K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/1iUZqZZMP_K offer for our communities Tessa Caton 6ygLyPAKcqsVT_qg 20.04.2020 Radio 2BS FM Managing stress during RAMHP http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/GVHS- COVID-19 Coordinator Di Gill LHO26yuQqRargy3oPTEMN0?keywords=rural%20adversity interviewed %20mental%20health%20program 23.04.2020 Mental health RAMHP resources RAMHP On file connect enewsletter 24.04.2020 Webinar | Webinar | Care during RRMH Director https://vimeo.com/411359746 International and beyond the COVID- Prof David Perkins Foundation of 19 Crisis: Supporting interviewed Integrated (IFIC) Resilient Communities in Webinar Times of Public Health Crisis 29.04.2020 Sheep Central There is opportunity in RAMHP mentioned 4.97K https://www.sheepcentral.com/sheep-dairy-farmer-sees- COVID-19 says NSW opportunity-in-covid-19-pandemic/ Sheep Dairy farmer 29.04.2020 Braidwood FM Bushfire Recovery, RAMHP No link Radio COVID 19 - impact on Coordinator Judy mental health and well- Carmody was being - promoting interviewed RAMHP
27 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link
April 30.04.2020 ABC NE South RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP No link Australia and Far Mate website Coordinator Marie West Kelly interviewed May 1.05.2020 Bombala Times RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 1.16K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/f8qjBI1MDGnt Mate website Coordinator Steve nU_4RA1OeG4Y2Qo Carrigg quoted (MR) 1.05.2020 ABC Upper COVID- 19 Let's Talk RAMHP ABC http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/KxKZnIc79yKt Hunter, ABC podcast Coordinator Letitia Upper GGDhYLNwbKQIYxk?keywords=rural%20adversity%20menta Newcastle with Cross Hunter – l%20health%20program Kia Handley 15.2K ABC http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/CExNzHWAjS Newcast KHp5COo5hY5Wpdnh4?keywords=rural%20adversity%20me le - 11K ntal%20health%20program 1.05.2020 ABC Broken Hill RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP No link Mate website Coordinator Marie Kelly 01.05.2020 Radio 2BH567 – RAMHP’s You Got This Comprehensive http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/FlDecDnHEmn News update Mate website news report - fuutds1LZ4JYT9N0?keywords=Rural%20adversity%20Mental RAMHP %20Health%20Program Coordinator Marie Kelly (MR) 3.05.2020 Daily Liberal RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 33.4K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/ciNAyXHY5pT Mate website Coordinator Steve 6VRGmSnIJn_4r5As Carrigg quoted (MR)
28 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link May 4.05.2050 ABC Goulburn RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Program https://www.abc.net.au/radio/goulburnmurray/programs/breakf Murray Mate website Manager Tessa ast/breakfast/12191498 - 2:39:24 in - interview with Tessa re Caton interviewed YGTM (MR) 4.05.2020 Beaudesert RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 6.41K https://www.beaudeserttimes.com.au/story/6743987/new- Times Mate website Coordinator Steve website-helps-rural-men-with-mental-health/ Carrigg quoted (MR) 4.05.2020 ABC Central RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 10.9K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/Kf- West Mate website Coordinator Steve vPedK4g1QMP0ywmNYXjiLfMA?keywords=rural%20adversit Carrigg interviewed y%20mental%20health%20program (MR) 4.05.2020 ABC Shepparton RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Manager 20.3K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/NUAqwyr- Mate website Tessa Caton rOf5OlTk0- interviewed LlLMXCOO0?keywords=rural%20adversity%20mental%20he alth%20program 4.05.2020 ABC Goulburn RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Manager 21.2K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/hjHCt2lGpm84 Murray Mate website Tessa Caton qmWmoXW9UvLCmSE?keywords=rural%20adversity%20me interviewed ntal%20health%20program
5.05.2020 theOrangeapp.co RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP No link m.au Mate website Coordinator Steve Carrigg quoted
5.05.2020 ABC Hunter New RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/KxKZnIc79yKt England Mate website Coordinator Steve GGDhYLNwbKQIYxk?keywords=rural%20adversity%20menta Carrigg quoted l%20health%20program
29 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link May 5.05.2020 Radio 2MN – RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/PtE8cbb- News grab Mate website Coordinator Steve Hd5bVbkm_uOowqEpOtU?keywords=rural%20adversity%20 Carrigg interviewed mental%20health%20program (MR) 5.05.2020 In the Loop – RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP https://uonstaff.sharepoint.com/sites/IntheLoop/SitePages/Ne University of Mate website Coordinator Steve w-men%E2%80%99s-website-helps-rural-men-reach-their- Newcastle Carrigg interviewed best-possible-mental-health.aspx newsletter (MR) 5.05.2020 The Express RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP https://www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au/local-news/new- Newspaper Mate website Coordinator Steve mental-health-website-targets-rural-men/ Carrigg quoted (MR) 6.05.2020 Numerous outlets RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP mentioned No link distributed on Mate website their social media and newsletter _Kate Arndell distributed 6.05.2020 Hills Top Phoenix RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 178 https://www.hilltopsphoenix.com.au/new-mental-health- Mate website Coordinator Steve website-for-rural-men-launches/ Carrigg quoted (MR) 6.05.2020 Radio 4LG - RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP No link Longreach Mate website Coordinator Steve Carrigg interviewed
30 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link May 6.05.2020 Mareeba Express RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 3.1K https://www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au/local-news/new- Mate website Coordinator Steve mental-health-website-targets-rural-men/ Carrigg quoted (MR) 6.05.2020 Far West Local RAMHP position working RAMHP Article on file Health District in new environment Coordinator Marie Newsletter during COVID Kelly 7.05.2020 Dubbo Photo RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP https://protect- News Mate website Coordinator Steve au.mimecast.com/s/U7W6CzvkA3TG9kYDC4rBxn?domain=is Carrigg quoted suu.com (Page 4) (MR) 8.05.2020 ‘In The Loop’ Podcast | Let’s Talk RAMHP Manager https://uonstaff.sharepoint.com/sites/IntheLoop/SitePages/Ho UoN newsletter podcast episode on Covid Tessa Caton and w-do-we-look-after-our-mental-health-during-a-global- and your mental health RAMHP pandemic-.aspx Coordinator Letitia Cross 13.05.2020 Coonamble Article | Dark clouds with Article written by Article on file Times silver linings - and a bit of RAMHP rain Coordinator Camilla Kenny 13.05.2020 Lithgow Mercury Firefly celebrates RAMHP 13.6K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/-p9KlKjmfqkJJ- Lithgow’s local heroes Coordinator Sonia 1Fl4S3Az9nwUY during COVID-19 Cox mentioned 13.05.2020 Partner RAMHP activities RAMHP Article on file eNewsletter Coordinator Letitia Cross
31 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link May 18.05.2020 ABC North Coast, How to manage the RAMHP 15.2 https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newcastle/programs/mornings/re Central West, anxiety you're feeling as Coordinator million striction-anxiety/12265200 Hunter New COVID-19 restrictions Camilla Herbig England, Western ease interviewed Plains, Newcastle, South East NSW and Mid North Coast 20.05.2020 Episode 3 - Video Decision making and RAMHP https://soundcloud.com/maxcarecmr/episode-3-how-stress- Series – Growing stress Coordinator Jennie can-impact-decision-making-with-jennie-keioskie Stronger Every Keioskie Day – Maxum interviewed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf7VPzgs2eE&feature=yo Foods podcast and video utu.be&fbclid=IwAR0n_1oJv1N5Wh_l09tY1H3hiuHa- 0SVvhWd-nvF1GfZcofqbi3pjNZjngE 20.05.2020 Life in Mind RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP https://lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/news/you-got-this-mate- eNewsletter Mate website Coordinator Steve new-mental-health-website-dedicated-to-rural-men Carrigg quoted 20.05.2020 Australian RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP https://mailchi.mp/9240ff109000/updates-from-aidr-may- Institute Disaster Mate website 2020?e=96550ff3d5 Management (AIDM) eNewsletter 21.05.2020 YouTube – Webinar | How stress can RAMHP https://maxumanimal.com.au/growing-stronger-every-day/ MaxCare webinar affect decision making Coordinator Jen Keioskie interviewed
32 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link May 26.05.2020 Journalism COVID and mental health RAMHP No link student –RMIT Coordinator Alison Tye interviewed 26.05.2020 Yorke Peninsula RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP mentioned 1.25K https://www.ypct.com.au/index.php/farming/item/22346-you- Country Times Mate website got-this-mate-a-mental-health-website-for-rural-blokes 27.05.2020 PDC Mudgee Community development RAMHP No link Facebook covering social isolation Coordinator Cassie Mastrone 28.05.2020 Lithgow Village Article | 6 ways to ease Author RAMHP https://issuu.com/villagevoice.net.au/docs/village20200529- Voice your anxiety as COVID Coordinator Sonia web restrictions ease Cox 29.05.2020 Snowy Monaro Recovery in a COVID RAMHP No link bushfire recovery world Coordinator Jennie notice board Keioskie Facebook June 1.06.2020 Our Healthy Men’s Health Week - Three men's quotes No link Clarence Men’s lived experience as per media Facebook videos and You Got This release distributed Mate website 2.06.2020 Gilgandra Weekly COVID and mental health RAMHP No link Coordinator Camilla Kenny
33 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link June 3.06.2020 Lithgow Mercury Hampton's Rachel Nicoll RAMHP and You http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/hrkan9NPn4R steps into ministerial Got This Mate Qc4sQ6g4HGzafmTg appointment on Central mentioned Tablelands Local Land Services Board 8.06.2020 Farm Weekly, How can stress affect RAMHP 152,300 https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/6769496/how-can- The Land, Stock decision making? Coordinator Jennie stress-affect-decision-making/?cs=5169 and Land Keioskie quoted 15.06.2020 Echonetdaily Sharing stories about Three men quoted 238K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/Wt8gCTR- mental health for Men’s (from media VVuCbUArPwmqYp9MPyU Health Week release distributed) 16.06.2020 Shepparton Kyabram’s Warren Three men quoted 105,231 https://www.sheppnews.com.au/kyabram- News, the McIvor Davies featured on Rural (from media news/2020/06/16/1235138/kyabrams-warren-davies-featured- Times, Adversity Mental Health release distributed) on-rural-adversity-mental-health-programs-newest-website Campaspe News, Program’s newest Southern Riverina website News, Cobran Courier, Kyabram Free Press, Yarawonga Chronicle, The Corowa Free Press, Seymour Telegraph, Riverine Herald, Deniliquin Pastoral Times
34 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link June 16.06.2020 Radio 2BS Men’s Health Week and Warren Davies http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/ukx- RAMHP’s You Got This (lived experience) 5miBShGrnzfCtNzZInsdjAM?keywords=rural%20adversity%2 Mate website interviewed (from 0mental%20health%20program media release distributed) 16.06.2020 Radio 2BH News Men’s Health Week and Media release http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/cHGeNAryx9G grabs – 6am and RAMHP’s You Got This quoted i8DPqfL- 702am Mate website 3bk4x54Q?keywords=rural%20adversity%20mental%20healt h%20program 17.06.2020 Western Kaiden Powell, Orange, RAMHP and You 4.37K https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/6796004/wiradjuri Magazine shares story during Men's Got This Mate -man-shares-his-journey-to-recovery-and-how-others-can- (Dubbo) Health Week as part of website mentioned seek-help/ You Got This Mate (from media website release distributed) 17.06.2020 Clarence Valley Men’s Health Week and RAMHP and Sam Article on file Independent RAMHP’s You Got This Osborne mentioned Mate website (article submitted) 17.06.2020 Great Lakes FM Anxiety following RAMHP No link bushfires, drought and Coordinator Kylie COVID Atkinson interviewed 18.06.2020 2NUR Newcastle RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Program No link Mate website Manager Tessa Caton interviewed
35 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link June 18.06.2020 Shepparton Depression to suicide The Unbreakable 103,851 https://www.sheppnews.com.au/echuca- News, the McIvor attempts: How Sam Farmer and news/2020/06/18/1238931/depression-to-suicide-attempts- Times, Holman is fighting the RAMHP mentioned how-sam-holman-is-fighting-the-black-dog Campaspe News, Black Dog Southern Riverina News, Cobran Courier, Kyabram Free Press, Yarawonga Chronicle, The Corowa Free Press, Seymour Telegraph, Riverine Herald, Deniliquin Pastoral Times 19.06.2020 Northern Daily RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP 101K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/bgIYWNJ1UZ Leader Mate: rural men in mental Coordiantor Matt WxbCyHYEIYZux9rHQ health struggle supported Milne interviewed with new website 19.06.2020 Central Western Kaiden Powell, Orange, RAMHP and YGTM 69.9K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/sLwz7f8mLsak Daily shares stories during website mentioned OEnCESt-4lyUBiM Men’s Health Week (from media release distributed) 20.06.2020 ABC North Coast RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Manager 16.3K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/ObZ9H6- - 7:40am Mate men’s website Tessa Caton nWCdv0IxLMlSaaWYfmd0?keywords=rural%20adversity%20 interviewed mental%20health%20program
36 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020 Appendix 6: Media Activity
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Reach Link June 20.06.2020 Barrier Daily Men’s Health Week and RAMHP On file Truth RAMHP’s You Got This Coordinator Marie Mate website Kelly (article submitted) 21.06.2020 Beaudesert Scenic Rim invited to RAMHP 30.5k http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/w5PkdDN29fx Times, Black Dog Institute Coordinator Steve Uu2e4IFbuWZnCAAk Jimboomba mental health webinar Carrigg mentioned Times, – on the webinar panel 22.06.2020 NBN News RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2020/06/22/you-got-this-mate-a- Tamworth Mate website Coordinator Kate website-to-support-men-in-rural- Arndell areas/?fbclid=IwAR3fymjfoDuQjCJRyBznkZ364pcopfuUCC44 UqU4Z1ChFQlpz9sJ0BF0Qrc 22. 06.2020 Central Western Matters of State CRRMH research http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/TuN56aCZvew Daily referenced LfjxsPJb2AfrncnM 24.06.2020 Grafton Mental Men’s Health Week and RAMHP and local No link Health Internal RAMHP activities RAMHP team Newsletter mentioned 25.06.2020 Philanthropy Mental health in rural RAMHP https://protect- Australia podcast communities Coordinator Jennie au.mimecast.com/s/8dP5C4QO2BfY0Yj7SW1_xj?domain=phi Keioskie lanthropy.org.au 27.06.2020 ABC South East Rural women’s mental RAMHP 40.9K http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/yqcDWiDVuNk health and wellbeing Coordinator Jen o0L9e9kkHBWGJDKQ?keywords=rural%20adversity%20men event for women on the Keioskie and tal%20health%20program land Bronnie Taylor mentioned 30.06.2020 Radio 2BH Drought Support Relief RAMHP No link Peer Support Worker Coordinator Jamie Kuerschner
37 | Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Quarterly Report: April – June 2020
RAMHP QUARTERLY UPDATE APRIL – JUNE 2020 RAMHP Quarterly Update Report, April – June 2020
RAMHP Quarterly Update Report: April – June 2020
This report is intended to provide an update for our key stakeholders on the work being undertaken by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP). It is intended that this report will be emailed to key stakeholders and also available on the Program’s website and that of the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health. Please email comments or questions to: [email protected].
Table of Contents
Section Page Number
General RAMHP Program Updates 3
Data Considerations 14
RAMHP Updates by Program Component 15
LINK 15
TRAIN 21
INFORM 23
| 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 – Kate Elligett newsletter, and media channels • The level of compounding adversity remains extremely high across RAMHP Program Updates NSW with RAMHP Coordinators assisting both drought, bushfire and COVID-19 impacted communities • The number of people linked to services decreased significantly • RAMHP Coordinators have commenced a measured return to F2F between Apr-Jun 2020. This is a combined result of the changes to engagement and training in line with LHD and State government RAMHP Coordinator work practices required due to COVID-19 mandated restrictions and guidelines pandemic and activity returning to a more sustainable level after the • The 2019 Annual Report and the latest evaluation report, Community bushfire season. Representatives’ Report were released • The level of training conducted by RAMHP Coordinators over this • The RAMHP team provided feedback to the Department of Regional period has decreased significantly (65%) due to the restrictions NSW on their Draft NSW Drought Resilience Strategy placed on face-to-face activities • RAMHP Coordinators responded rapidly to the changes to their People Updates work practices this quarter, switching their focus to more creative • Jamie Kuerschner commenced as the second Far West RAMHP ways of community engagement and support through: Coordinator, based in Broken Hill. • Increased blog and video development for social media • Kate Elligett commenced as the new RAMHP Coordinator Team • Adapting training and forums to online delivery Leader, based in Orange NSW • Partner webinar participation • Targeted media interactions • COVID-19 tailored resource development Report Q2 Highlights • Leveraging existing partnerships to maintain connectedness to the community • 396 People Linked to Care • Transition to online training delivery continues, with the RAMHP between Apr – Jun 2020 ‘Wellbeing and You’ training package now available for RAMHP Coordinators to incorporate in their training plans • 41 Training Courses were • The RAMHP Face to Face meeting in June went ‘virtual’, with the delivered to 695 participants team taking the opportunity to support and engage with each other between Apr – Jun 2020 online, and share information and key learnings on operating in the current environment • 83 Community Events were • The official launch of the You Got This Mate website occurred at the attended by RAMHP Coordinators end of April, with significant promotion through social media, e- between Apr – Jun 2020 | 3 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
General RAMHP Program Updates
RAMHP Communication Highlights – Jocelyn Launch of You Got This Mate – www.yougotthismate.com.au Johnston and Lauren Dunkley The second quarter of 2020 was a challenging one with the Launch of You Got This Mate- www.yougotthismate.com.au arrival of COVID-19. The Communications team quickly changed The team officially launched the ‘You’ve Got This Mate’ at their focus to respond to the RAMHP Coordinators' needs the end of April sending out a media release and rolling out a helping them engage and support rural communities in diverse social media campaign. ways. This included developing useful and appropriate resources and To mark the launch of the new website, we shared two videos providing tailored messages of support to rural communities. from the Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor as well as our RAMHP Ambassador Gus Worland. You can view these videos New dedicated page on RAMHP’s website here: The team developed a specific area on the RAMHP website Minister Bronnie Taylor – 3014 reach and 20 shares dedicated to supporting rural communities during COVID 19. - RAMHP Ambassador Gus Worland – 2389 and 19 shares https://www.crrmh.com.au/covid-19-coronavirus-information/ The page includes resources such as fact sheets, blogs, podcasts, videos and specific help lines.
. Special Episode Let’s Talk Rural Mental Health podcast The team also identified opportunities to work with the media to deliver information on coping with uncertain times. This included a special edition of our Let’s Talk Rural Mental Health podcast series produced by ABC journalist Kia Handley. The podcast: Special COVID-19 and your mental health was launched just before Easter and so far has had over 1286 listens. | 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 The top 5 pages were as follows: Lauren Dunkley 1. Homepage – 2768 views 2. Online and Telephone Support – 725 views RAMHP eNewsletters 3. Downloadable Resources – 593 views RAMHP released one eNewsletter during this period. 4. Find a RAMHP Coordinator – 559 views 5. About Us – RAMHP – 356 views The June/July edition, You Got This, was delivered to 1,956 recipients and had a 27.3% open rate. This edition focused on the official launch The YouGotThisMate.com.au website was launched on 30 April. To 30 of the YouGotThisMate.com.au website on 30 April, the publication of June, the website received 3909 website sessions. The average several RAMHP Coordinator blogs on the RAMHP website, the release website session was 1:22 mins. The website had 3193 new users. of the 2019 Annual Report and the development of the online training program. Events
Websites Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many events have been cancelled. The During this quarter, the RAMHP website received 4757 website RAMHP Program Management Team along with many RAMHP sessions (-23.06 %). The average website session was 1:52 mins. The Coordinators participated in and spoke at the Men's Health Connected website had 3400 new users (-23.92%). online forum, hosted by the Australian Men's Health Forum. It was a great learning opportunity and provided a fantastic platform to share the Both website and social media figures for Quarter 2 of 2020 are YouGotThisMate site with industry experts and leaders. down on results from Jan – Mar. During Quarter 1 of 2020, the RAMHP website and social media channels all experienced a During June, the RAMHP Face-to-Face meeting was taken online. significant increase in users. This has been attributed to the high There was great engagement from the team and provided a wonderful levels of distress experienced by rural people in NSW as a result opportunity to come together as a group and share learnings as the of the Summer Bushfires. As RAMHP are experts in responding to state recovers from bushfire and drought (in some areas), and works disaster, RAMHP information was widely promoted during and through COVID-19 uncertainty. after the impact of bushfire, and received high levels of engagement. While RAMHP have produced resources and content in response to COVID-19, there is also a plethora of content being produced by leading national mental health organisations on the subject. Though RAMHP content during this time was still being viewed and shared, results are in line with more traditional levels of| engagement5 experienced by RAMHP digital channels. General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
General RAMHP Program Updates
Media Highlights Four experienced Coordinators sat on the panel and shared their This quarter we rescheduled the launch of RAMHP's new website: knowledge and expertise. The Session covered topics such as You Got This Mate to coincide with a reduction in COVID related preparing for an interview, building rapport with the media, dealing news. The website was launched at the end of April and was also with tricky questions and active listening and self-reflection. The relaunched to coincide with Men's Health Week in June. feedback from the session was very positive.
RAMHP Coordinators were also approached to provide commentary Some examples of key media activity are presented in Table 1 on the on how communities could cope with uncertainty in relation to following page. Please note this is a sample only. COVID-19 and participated in many webinars, blogs and videos. The full list for April - June can be seen in Appendix A of the CRRMH Quarterly Report. This quarter the team sent out the following media releases: •Men share their stories to spark discussion around mental health (344 KB) Tuesday, June 16, 2020 •New men's website helps rural men reach their best possible mental health (329 KB) Thursday, April 30, 2020 •Mental health support for our rural and remote communities (177 KB) Tuesday, April 7, 2020
The team also worked with individual Coordinators to produce content for local newspapers on the topic of coping with uncertainty and men’s mental health.
‘Lunch and Learn Session: Media Skills On 11 June we held an internal ‘Lunch and Learn Session: Media Skills for all the RAMHP team via Zoom.
| 6 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
General RAMHP Program Updates
Table 1: Overview of media Interactions (note this is a sample only – see Appendix A of the CRRMH Quarterly report for a full list)
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link
https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/ Blog| It's grief and I'm RAMHP Coordinator Letitia 1.04.2020 Forbes Advocate 6706213/its-grief-and-im-feeling-it-too- feeling it too Cross rahmp-coordinator-letitia-cross/
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/ns ABC Country Hour with Michael RAMHP support during RAMHP Program Manager w-country-hour/nsw-country- 7.04.2020 Condon COVID-19 Tessa Caton hour/12112682 (17mins 29 secs in)
https://www.crrmh.com.au/get-help- Podcast | Special edition RAMHP Program Manager Podcast played on ABC now/self-help- 11.04.2020 Let’s Talk -COVID-19 and Tessa Caton and RAMHP Statewide drive resources/podcasts/episode-special-covid- your mental health Coordinator Letitia Cross 19-mental-health/ https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/ Lithgow Mercury/ Mudgee Managing stress during 14.04.2020 RAMHP Coordinator Di Gill 6720377/managing-your-stress-during- Guardian uncertainty uncertainty/
Mental health support on RAMHP Program Manager http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redi 15.04.2020 Forbes Advocate offer for our communities Tessa Caton rect/1iUZqZZMP_K6ygLyPAKcqsVT_qg
| 7 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
General RAMHP Program Updates
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link
ABC NE South Australia RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Coordinator Marie 30.04.2020 No link and Far West Mate website Kelly
RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Coordinator Steve http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/ci 3.05.2020 Daily Liberal Mate website Carrigg quoted (MR) NAyXHY5pT6VRGmSnIJn_4r5As RAMHP Program Manager https://www.abc.net.au/radio/goulburnmurray/pro RAMHP’s You Got This 4.05.2050 ABC Goulburn Murray Tessa Caton grams/breakfast/breakfast/12191498 - 2:39:24 in Mate website interviewed (MR) - interview with Tessa re YGTM http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/Kf RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Coordinator Steve - 4.05.2020 ABC Central West Mate website Carrigg quoted (MR) vPedK4g1QMP0ywmNYXjiLfMA?keywords=rural %20adversity%20mental%20health%20program RAMHP’s You Got This RAMHP Coordinator Steve 6.05.2020 Radio 4LG - Longreach No link Mate website Carrigg interviewed Firefly RAMHP Coordinator Sonia http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/- 13.05.2020 Lithgow Mercury celebrates Lithgow’s local Cox mentioned p9KlKjmfqkJJ-1Fl4S3Az9nwUY heroes during COVID-19 Article | Dark clouds with Article written by RAMHP 13.05.2020 Coonamble Times silver linings - and a bit of Coordinator Camilla On file rain Kenny
| 8 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
General RAMHP Program Updates
Date Media Outlet Topic Spokesperson Link
How to manage the anxiety RAMHP Coordinator 18.05.2020 https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newcastle/programs/mor ABC Statewide you're feeling as COVID-19 Camilla nings/restriction-anxiety/12265200 restrictions ease Herbig interviewed RAMHP Coordinator Episode 3 - Video Series – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf7VPzgs2eE&feat Jennie Keioskie 20.05.2020 Growing Stronger Every Decision making and stress ure=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0n_1oJv1N5Wh_l09tY1H3h interviewed – podcast Day – Maxum Foods iuHa-0SVvhWd-nvF1GfZcofqbi3pjNZjngE and video Article | 6 ways to ease your Author RAMHP https://issuu.com/villagevoice.net.au/docs/village2020 28.05.2020 Lithgow Village Voice anxiety as COVID restrictions Coordinator Sonia Cox 0529-web (Page 22) ease Three men quoted (from Sharing stories about mental media release http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/Wt8gC 15.06.2020 Echonetdaily health for Men’s Health Week - distributed) You Got This Mate TR-VVuCbUArPwmqYp9MPyU Men’s Health Week and RAMHP’s You Got This Mate RAMHP Coordinator Matt http://transition.meltwater.com/paywall/redirect/bgIYW 17.06.202 Northern Daily Leader website Milne interviewed NJ1UZWxbCyHYEIYZux9rHQ
https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2020/06/22/you-got-this- RAMHP’s You Got This Mate RAMHP Coordinator mate-a-website-to-support-men-in-rural- 22.06.2020 NBN News Tamworth website Kate Arndell areas/?fbclid=IwAR3fymjfoDuQjCJRyBznkZ364pcopfu UCC44UqU4Z1ChFQlpz9sJ0BF0Qrc
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| 10 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
General RAMHP Program Updates
RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley
The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Facebook page.
Table 2: Overview of RAMHP’s Facebook Page Statistics, Apr - Jun 2020
Statistic Impact
236 new likes were achieved during this period, bringing the total • Number of likes decreased by 4.07% during the period number of likes to 2781
Post Publishing this quarter was 63. • This quarter featured posts included information about coping with the impact of natural disaster, advice on how to remain socially connected during COVID-19 and the launch of YouGotThisMate.com.au Engagement with posts: • Total engagements were down by 28% − Reactions 3124 • Posts that attracted high engagement included a post about RAMHP's How Are You Going poster, the launch of − Comments 314 YouGotThisMate.com.au, and the release of 3 new Let's Talk − Shares 807 Factsheets. − Link Clicks 777
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General RAMHP Program Updates
RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley
The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Twitter page.
Table 3: Overview of RAMHP’s Twitter Statistics, Apr - Jun 2020
Statistic Impact
44 (+7.5%) new followers were achieved during this period, bringing • RAMHP’s Twitter audience continues to increase the total number to 630
Post Publishing this quarter was 19 during this period • Publishing frequency decreased by 40% this quarter
19 Tweets during this period: − Post Link Clicks 66 (-23.3%) • Engagement has decreased this quarter by 18.3% − Replies 2 (-50%) − Retweets 42 (-43.2%) − Tweet Likes 84 (-39.6%)
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General RAMHP Program Updates
RAMHP Social Media – Lauren Dunkley
The following table provides an overview of the key statistics for RAMHP’s Instagram page.
Table 4: Overview of RAMHP’s Instagram Statistics, Apr – Jun 2020
Statistic Impact
84 new followers (+23.53%) were achieved during this period, • RAMHP’s reach on social media continues to grow and bringing the total to 524. Instagram content is engaging new users.
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 665 (-9.03%) • Engagement decreased by 9% during this period. − Comments 16 (-15.79%) − Saves 5 (-70.59%) − Impressions 10882(-19.4%)
| 13 General RAMHP Data RAMHP Updates by LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Considerations Program Component
Data Considerations
This Report 2 represents the second period of data collected using the RAMHP App in 2020. There are a number of considerations which must be taken into account when interpreting the results of this Report. These include:
• Annual leave taken by RAMHP Coordinators during the reporting period may impact on their data presented in the Report.
• The correctness of data from the RAMHP App relies on the accurate data entry of the RAMHP Coordinators.
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How Many People Were Linked?
Chart 1: Number of Links Oct. 2019 – Jun. 2020, by Linkage Type
133
123 1241
Number of Links Number of 683 133 263
Oct - Dec 2019 Jan - Mar 2020 Apr - Jun 2020 Quarter
Linked someone to services/resources to help someone else Linked someone to services/resources for themselves
• From April – June 2020, 396 people were linked to mental health • The majority of links (n=263, 66%) were people seeking support services or resources by RAMHP Coordinators. Despite assistance for themselves. COVID-19 reducing opportunities for RAMHP Coordinators to have in-person contact with people, links still took place due to the range of ways this service is provided such as by phone or email.
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How Did Linking Take Place?
Chart 2: Proportion of Links Apr. – Jun. 2020, by Method of Linkage • During April – June 2020, the largest number of links took place when RAMHP Coordinators provided advice to other 9% 6% 4% professionals (n=101, 46%). 6% • A considerable proportion of linkages also occurred through phone or email contact (n=43, 20%).
9% • These changes in linking method, compared to previous quarters, are the result of COVID-19 changes in RAMHP Coordinators’ activities resulting in less in-person contact with community members. Remaining accessible to communities is important to RAMHP, especially during these challenging times. • These results indicate the value and benefit of RAMHP Coordinators relationships and networks within their 20% 46% communities.
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=218). 178 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. | 16 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
How Did Linking Take Place?
Table 5: Proportion of Links Apr. – Jun. 2020, by Method of Linkage & Local Health District
Hunter New Illawarra South Western How linking took place Far West Mid North Coast Murrumbidgee Northern Southern Sydney Areas Western England Shoalhaven Sydney Total
I met them at a community event 19% 3% 0% 33% 0% 10% 0% 5% 0% 0% 6% or meeting
They attended training I delivered 0% 3% 0% 0% 17% 3% 100% 5% 0% 0% 4%
I provided linking advice to a professional in my 25% 52% 0% 0% 50% 38% 0% 64% 50% 30% 46% partnerships/networks
Through phone or email contact 31% 6% 50% 67% 17% 18% 0% 5% 50% 55% 20%
The ‘person in need’ works for a service in my 6% 6% 0% 0% 0% 28% 0% 5% 0% 3% 9% partnerships/networks
The ‘person in need’ was referred 0% 3% 50% 0% 0% 3% 0% 11% 0% 6% 6% from another service
Other 19% 27% 0% 0% 17% 0% 0% 5% 0% 6% 9% TOTAL 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Note: (n=218). 178 cases were not included as they were group links i.e. when a number of people are linked at the same time for a specific issue.
| 17 General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
What Symptoms Or Issues Were RAMHP Coordinators Assisting With?
Chart 3: The Ten Most Frequent Symptoms Identified when Linking, Apr. – Jun. 2020
Relationship concerns 47
Disaster or adverse event 55
Drought 56
Pre-existing mental health disorder 60
Service quality or access issue 72
Grief and loss 79
Change in behaviour 91
Symptoms of an emerging mental health disorder 102
Work or financial concerns 126
Fire 163
Coronavirus 165
Stress 213 Number of Times a Symptom is Selected
• The 10 most common issues or symptoms RAMHP Coordinators • The issue coronavirus (n=165) has been measured since April 2020 assisted with are presented above. More than one issue or symptom and is the second most frequent issue identified among links this can be selected for each person linked (N=1,483). quarter. This is closely followed by fire (n=163) indicating the multiple stressors rural communities are facing. • The most common issue or symptom was stress (n=213).
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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, Apr. – Jun. 2020
Legal aid 4 Alcohol or Other Drug Service 6 Housing assistance service 6 Family or relationship service 10 Education support services 12 Carer support service 14 Youth services 14 Non-Gov MH Team 15 Other 15 Social worker 18 Social support group 22 Material or financial assistance service 25 CMHT 27 Emergency services 30 Farmgate 45 MH Line or Accessline 46 Private specialist 51 Rural assistance services 56 Bush Fire Recovery Clinician 63 Fire Recovery Support Service 78 Printed information 86 Employment support services 97 GP 125 Other mental health telephone support service 130 Website information, online therapy or e-mental health 176 I provided strategies 217 Number of Times a Suggestion was Given
• RAMHP Coordinators usually provide more than one type of • This most frequent types of services and resources support or resource when they link (N=1,389). recommended reflect the need for social distancing in response to COVID-19. RAMHP Coordinators’ knowledge of the range of • The most common support or resources provided by RAMHP service and resource types available is particularly useful at this Coordinators were practical strategies (n=217, 16%), website time. information, online therapy or e-mental health (n=176, 13%) and mental health telephone support services (n=130, 9%).
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Coordinators’ Stories From Those We Help
A woman contacted me feeling lonely. She The Salvation Army contacted me to assist in recently tested negative for COVID-19 but is providing support to farming families in the very unwell physically and emotionally. Her region who may be having trouble accessing husband died 6 months ago, then she was essential supplies due to COVID-19. I provided affected by fires and now socially isolated a list of vulnerable families and assisted with due to COVID. We explored ways of delivering essential goods to the families’ connecting to others e.g. FaceTime and I received a phone call exploring mailboxes. online and grief supports. support for an older woman who lost her home by fire. She has a heart condition, mental health issues and needs a home. I encouraged her to speak to various charities as well as a social worker for possible OT assistance.
A mother had her husband die on farm. Due to I was contacted by a beef farmer who was COVID-19 restrictions including distancing and struggling to navigate the process for his border closures her neighbours, community drivers licence renewal and was very members, friends and family could not visit or distressed. I linked him with a local Phone call from RFS admin assist. I assisted to organise mental health optometrist and Service NSW. He was so worried about members in the supports and financial contributions from NFP to relieved that he can stay on farm and be Tathra area. They have been reach the family through the school principal independent for at least another year. who had an exemption around schooling. phoning many members as they are no longer attending meetings due to COVID-19. I encouraged use of a buddy system and provided details of support services.
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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. – Jun. 2020 Oct. 2019 – Jun. 2020
115 106
1
4,429 51 25 41
3,005 Number of Training Courses
26 17 39
Number Number of Training Participants 695 14 8 01 Oct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Oct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Quarter Total number of training participants across all training courses
CSS WSS HISS TT MHFA W&Y VW GTD Total
• From April – June 2020, 41 training courses were • RAMHP Coordinators delivered mental health training to 695 delivered by RAMHP Coordinators. participants this quarter.
• The most common training courses delivered were Tailored Training • On average each course contained 17 participants. (n=39, 95%). Popular Tailored Training topics were Psychological First Aid and Staff Wellbeing during COVID. Training has increasingly been delivered online.
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Who Did RAMHP Coordinators Train?
Chart 7: Number of Training Courses, Audience Type, Apr. – Jun. 2020 • Training courses were predominantly comprised of
Physical health (eg medical) 20 physical/medical health staff (n=20, 49%).
Primary industry 4
Examples of Organisations Trained Mental health 4 • Rural Financial Counselling Service • DPI Chairs of Stock Welfare Panels Community group or organisation 3 • Clarence Valley Health Staff • BlaizeAid Volunteers • Northern NSW LHD Mixed welfare services 3 • Clarence Valley Health Staff • NSW Women in Dairy • LHD Palliative and Oncology Team
Audience Type Other government or council 2 • K & H Mobile Plant Repairs • Canowindra High School • Rotary Dairy NSW Young Dairy Network
Education 2 • Club of Dubbo Macquarie • State Emergency Service
Other Private Business 1
Other 1
Police or emergency services 1 | 22 Number of Training Courses General RAMHP RAMHP Updates by Data Considerations LINK TRAIN INFORM Program Updates Program Component
What Audiences Were Reached Through Community Events?
Chart 8: Coordinator Attendance at Community Events, by Audience Type, Apr. – Jun. 2020 • Most community events attended by RAMHP Coordinators were fire-
Fire Related 27 related (n=27, 33%) or for general community (n=17, 20%).
• Fire-related events included Bushfire Recovery Hub in Braidwood, General community 17 Red Cross COVID-19 & Bushfire Recovery online and Bulga Bushfire Recovery Meeting.
Farming 15 • RAMHP Coordinators had direct contact with 407 visitors at events.
Women 11
Men 3
Health staff 2
Professionals 2 AudienceType
Other Private Business 2
Youth 1
Other 1
Elderly 1
Teachers 1
| 23 Coordinator Attendance at Community Events If you have any questions regarding the content of this Report, please contact: Tessa Caton Program Manager, RAMHP Ph: 0484 339 996 Email: [email protected]