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December 22, 2011
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 From the CEO |
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It's been another milestone year, highlighted towards the end by the good news of our contract extension until June 2014.
The extension reflects well on all who have been involved with MHPN as policy makers, members, staff and clinicians. Most importantly, networks are producing tangible benefits in the field which form part of a broader government strategy to improve mental health outcomes for clients, communities and clinicians.
We believe that at the heart of this weather-change is a shift in the national attitude to mental health and illness. It is helped by a Federal government committed to improving mental health options for all Australians.
Further evidence of this positive shift in approach came earlier this year with the announcement of the formation of the Mental Health Commission under the Chairmanship of Professor Allan Fels AO. This month, the commission listed its first eight commissioners, all respected advocates of mental health reform. We welcome the initiative.
May I take this opportunity to thank every one of you for your contribution to a successful year. Whatever your preference or persuasion, MHPN wishes you a joyful, restful break during the festive season, and an energetic return to the cause in 2012.
Chris Gibbs, MHPN CEO
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| New webinar recordings now online |
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Online statistics show the number of participants listening or returning to recorded MHPN webinars continues to climb. As such, the release of full recordings of our recent 'Mental Health and Diabetes' and 'Bipolar Mood Disorder' webinars should come as good pre-Christmas news for the mental health community.
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| 2010-11 Annual Report now available |
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For the first time, the MHPN annual report will be published in an online format only. The decision responds to a clear indication that our many readers are happy to receive the information online rather than through resource-absorbing print.
For an 'At a glance' summary of our last financial year, or the full operational and financial report, visit:
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Psycho-oncology Network - Expression of interest
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The Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) is gauging interest in establishing a Victorian psycho-oncology network. This network will draw together clinicians who provide services to clients with cancer and a co-existing mental health issue.
Dr Jeremy Couper, Head of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry & Psycho-oncology Research Unit at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, has indicated that he will work with MHPN to establish a psycho-oncology network if there is interest from GPs and mental health clinicians.
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| Carnarvon uses MHPN webinar to network |
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When your network covers an area the size of Germany, anything that cuts distance, time and cost from your training budget comes as a bonus.
According to Julee Nelson, Executive Officer/Coordinator of the Carnarvon MHPN, using October's MHPN Complex Trauma webinar to bring far-flung clinicians together worked well.
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| MHPN webinar presenter calls for focus on complex trauma |
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As a publicly declared survivor of child abuse, Dr Cathy Kezelman has had a significant period of time to reflect–and act–on the subject of complex trauma. Dr Cathy Kezelman is the director of Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA). She is also the author of Innocence Revisited, a memoir chronicling her battle with depression and suicidality, at the core of which was childhood trauma.
Dr Kezelman was one of the presenters for a recent Mental Health Professionals Network complex trauma webinar. In the wide ranging conversation, she talked about her passion for reform, and the role MHPN plays in bringing it about.
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| People with psychotic illness now better for longer |
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The lives of people experiencing psychotic illness have improved markedly compared with 12 years ago, according to a national survey of psychotic illness, published in late November.
A media announcement from the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said he joined with SANE Australia to officially launch the report People Living with Psychotic Illness 2010.
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Christmas closure
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MHPN will be closed from Friday 23rd December and reopening on Monday 9th January.
We wish all our members and their families a happy and safe festive season. |
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| Copyright Mental Health Professionals Network 2011, All rights reserved. |
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