Get Involved
Open Opportunities
Surveys, Consultations and Representative roles – your voice makes a difference!
By speaking up about your experiences, you can inform decision making and service design, and create positive change for you, other carers and the whole community.
Carers ACT and our mental health peak body MHCV invite you to have your say in the following open opportunities. If you wish to raise a specific issue, you can email the Advocacy team below.
Do you have a loved one that is living with dementia?
Are they living in a residential aged care setting?
HCCA would love to hear from you!
Researchers from the Health Care Consumers’ Association would like to talk to you and your loved ones about your experiences in accessing health care since they have been living in a residential aged care setting.
To take part, you need to:
• Be a family member or friend of a person with dementia.
• Be supporting your family member/friend to access health care while they are living in a residential aged care facility.
What to expect?
You’ll take part in a confidential conversation of about 1 hour. This will be about your experiences and your loved ones experiences of accessing health care while living in a residential aged care facility.
If you would like to participate, or would like to find out more, please contact Jessica Lamb, HCCA Senior Policy Officer, on 02 6230 7800 or email: jessicalamb@hcca.org.au
People undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and the carers supporting them are invited to participate in a focus group, interview or short questionnaire to share their experiences of physical activity during chemotherapy in Canberra. Exercise physiologist and PhD candidate, Rebecca Cesnik, hopes to hear about the barriers and the things helping facilitate physical activity, the services that have been used and about the types of information provided and how it has been communicated. Participants must be over 18 years of age. For more information, email or call Rebecca at rebecca.cesnik@canberra.edu.au or 0493 975 630.
Australian research company Catalyst recently conducted a large-scale consumer study on home care. Over 5,000 Australians gave their views, including 200 carers. However Catalyst is seeking more carers to be involved in its annual home care, retirement living and aged care surveys. If you’re interested in being part of this data collection, you can register to receive the surveys.
ReachOut are conducting an online research survey for parents/carers in Australia to tell us (confidentially) about the key issues you are concerned about, how they might impact the health and wellbeing of your child/ren, and how you might like to be supported to tackle these issues.
ADACAS and Advocacy for Inclusion have started a project to find the best ways to support parents with disabilities. The project will also look at the things that make it harder to be a parent with a disability.
Researchers at University of Queensland’s Centre for Clinical Research are working to improve neuropsychological assessments for earlier and more effective diagnosis of dementia in Parkinson’s disease.
In the first stage of the research, they are hoping to engage as many people as possible with Parkinson’s disease or who are caring for someone with Parkinson’s, that have taken part in cognitive or neuropsychological testing related to Parkinson’s disease.Reimbursement for participation will be provided by the researchers.For more information, visit https://clinical-research.centre.uq.edu.au/pdcognicare
Would you be interested in taking part in a public health research project?
The Health Care Consumer’s Association, in partnership with Sydney Health Literacy Lab, is researching how they can help older people who are prescribed antidepressants. Your experiences and opinions could make a difference for others.
HCCA would like to talk to people who are:
- older people prescribed an antidepressant currently, or in the past 12 months
- carers of older people prescribed an antidepressant currently, or in the past 12 months
- carers of older people in residential aged care facilities prescribed an antidepressant currently, or in the past 12 months
- based in Australia and over 18 years of age.
To sign up for an interview, or to find out more, fill in your details here: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3NK3ZlAbaASUYCi
University of Canberra is looking for people who have had a diagnosis of any form of dementia prior to the age of 65, currently living within the community, OR aged 18 or older and currently a carer for an individual diagnosed with any form of dementia prior to the age of 65 to participate in a research project investigating their beliefs, barriers, and enablers regarding physical activity.
Involvement will include the screening of eligibility for the requirements of the research, along with questionnaires and one-on-one interviews
Please contact Mr Nicholas Lawlis on Nicholas.Camacho–lawlis@canberra.edu.au for further information.
The Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) Division of Canberra Health Services (CHS) are reviewing how they currently support and treat people with co-occurring moderate to severe substance use disorders and moderate to severe mental illness, or co-occurring needs.
To inform this work, MHJHADS want to hear from people who may be experiencing, or have previously experienced, co-occurring needs, including their carers and/or family members.
Please provide your input via the survey: Co-occurring Needs Work Plan: Public Consultation (office.com)
If you would prefer to talk someone, please contact the Service and Transformation team at chs.mhjhadsserviceandtransformation@act.gov.au.
The Living Well in the ACT Region Survey has been monitoring wellbeing and quality of life in the ACT region since 2019. The data gathered informs the ACT Wellbeing Framework Dashboard, providing an important tool for tracking how carers and the broader community are faring across the region.
This year’s survey, conducted by University of Canberra researchers and supported by the ACT Government, is open from 11 November to 20 December 2024. It covers six key themes, including health and wellbeing, social connection, cultural diversity, and the impacts of the rising cost of living. Completing the survey takes about 20–30 minutes, and participants are eligible to enter a prize draw with prizes totaling $3,000.
Complete the survey now via this link.
For more information, or to access reports from past surveys, visit the regional wellbeing survey website here. If you need assistance, email regionalwellbeing@canberra.edu.au or call 1800 981 499 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) has undertaken a review of the Incident Management – Clinical Policy and Procedure. If you would like to provide feedback on this procedure contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Justice Health Services Model of Service: Alexander Maconochie Centre & Bimberi Youth Justice Centre
If you wish to contribute to this review the Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further details
Carers are being asked to participate in the 2024 ANU-ALIVE National Lived-Experience Priorities Study for carers, family and kinship group members of people living with mental ill-health. The study invites anyone (aged 16 and over) with experience supporting someone with mental ill-health, to share what matters to them in mental health research.
People who have accessed gastroenterology services (e.g. endoscopies, colonoscopies, treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, digestive or liver disorders etc.) and/or their carers are being invited to help Canberra Health Services develop an Integrated Model of Care for Gastroenterology.
Participation would involve participation at three workshops
Workshop 1: Current State (scheduled for 6th December)
Workshop 2: Vision and Design Principles (scheduled for 31st January 2025)
Workshop 3: Future State workshop (to be scheduled)
For more information or to register your interest in participating, please contact Julie.Lee@act.gov.au or david.boothey@act.gov.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Initial Management, Assessment and Intervention for a Person Vulnerable to Suicide Procedure.
If you would like to provide feedback, contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The ANU School of Medicine and Psychology (SMP) is seeking carer representation for a newly established advisory group which aims to provide a community perspective to the activities of the SMP, including medical and psychology education, research and service.
For more information or to register your interest in participating, contact Laura.gooyers@anu.edu.au
Canberra Health Services has reviewed and updated the Cognitive Impairment (Delirium and Dementia) and Deteriorating Mental State – Adult. If you are interested in providing feedback, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Foundational Supports will be specific supports available outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help people with disability, and their carers and families. These supports are being developed in consultation with governments and community. You can contribute your feedback via a questionnaire, by attending an online or in-person consultation, leaving a comment on the online ‘Ideas Wall’ or emailing feedback to foundationalsupports@thesocialdeck.com. For more information about the consultation, visit Foundational Supports | engage.dss.gov.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Observation through Therapeutic Engagement in MHJHADS Mental Health Inpatient Settings Procedure. If you would like to provide feedback on this procedure contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The University of Queensland is undertaking research aimed at improving the identification of cognitive disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). They are seeking feedback from individuals with PD and their carers through an online survey on a set of recommendations developed through recent focus groups addressing cognitive disorders in PD. The survey can be accessed via https://redcap.link/r1prp1jl.
The Department of Social Services is continuing its consultation on Australia’s draft National Carer Strategy. They are now seeking feedback on key elements of the strategy, such as the vision, principles, objectives and priority areas. You can read the draft strategy, provide feedback through a short survey or find out how to lodge a submission by visiting https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-carer-strategy/
Election ACT is seeking feedback from voters about the accessibility of voting in the most recent ACT election, including feedback on the Low Sensory Voting Centre, the accessibility features of polling places, language and audio options on electronic voting etc. The survey can be accessed via 2024 Accessibility Survey
Senator David Pocock is inviting carers to join a Town Hall event on Wednesday 30 October at the Hughes Community Centre, where he will be talking about the changes the Government is intending to make to aged care and support at home. The event will be from 1:30pm-3pm with lots of opportunity for questions and answers. RSVPs can be made via https://www.davidpocock.com.au/town_hall_october_2024
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Management of Mental Health beds in the general hospital. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services has reviewed and updated the Falls Management and Prevention Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services has reviewed and updated the Falls Management and Prevention Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please email carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Adolescent Inpatient Unit Operational Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Closes: 14th October 2024
Canberra Health Services seek your feedback on the procedure – Providing care after death. If you are interested, please email carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of CHS Missing Patient Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Ligature Use, Response Management and Audit Tool. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Alcohol and Drug Services Model of Care Supported Accommodation Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS) Speciality Services Model of Care. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Consumer, Carer and Community Representative Reimbursement Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of Supported Accommodation Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
Mental Health Carers Voice
Canberra Health Services (CHS) invites you to provide feedback on Consumer Privacy Policy. The policy sets out how CHS safeguards the personal health information of consumers accessing care at CHS, ensuring it is secure and protected from unauthorised access or misuse. Information in the policy aligns with the Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997.
If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au
Australia is getting a National Carer Strategy to improve how carers in Australia are considered in policy that affects them. As part of the consultation to help inform the strategy, The Department of Social Services (DSS) has engaged Deloitte to facilitate a number of focus groups for carers across the country. There will be an in-person consultation held in Canberra on August 13th, along with some online options. For more information or to register to attend, visit 
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Care of Persons subject to a Conditional Release Order Procedure (CRO). If you would like to provide feedback, contact mhcarers@carersactr.org.au
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Care of Persons Subject to a Psychiatric Treatment Order with or without a Restriction Order Procedure (RO). If you would like to provide feedback, contact mhcarers@carersactr.org.au
Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Care of Persons subject to Forensic Mental Health Orders (FMHO) If you would like to provide feedback, contact mhcarers@carersactr.org.au
Canberrans are being invited to a public forum to hear from three of the major parties (Greens, Labor and Liberals) about the transport policies they will be presenting in the upcoming local election. This is an excellent opportunity for carers to share their experiences of public transport in the ACT and ask questions of party representatives.
This forum is a free event (however a ticket is required) taking place on August 26th, 2024, from 6pm-8pm in the Juliet Room of Verity Lane Market in Civic.
For more details, or to reserve a free ticket, visit https://ptcbr.org/event/ptcbr-presents-2024-act-election-transport-policy-forum/
On 27 March 2024, the Australian Government introduced into Parliament changes to the NDIS Act 2013 (NDIS Act). The changes in the Bill provide a framework for improvements to the NDIS.
If the changes become the law, there will be a new definition of NDIS support to help participants and providers to understand what NDIS funding can be used for. This will enable more flexible planning and new budget setting arrangements as recommended by the NDIS Review.
The Department of Social Services would like your feedback on draft lists about how NDIS funding can be used.
An exciting transformation is planned for the Canberra Theatre Centre, aligning with the ACT Government’s ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital.
It is important to hear your thoughts on how design can:
- create a place where people with a disability can fully participate
- build a place where respect, diversity and inclusion are the forefront of design
- enrich lives and encourage people to attend Canberra Theatre Centre.
Help create a shared vision to enable the future Canberra Theatre Centre to be a universally accessible venue where everyone feels safe and welcome.
When: Monday 5 August, 11am – 1pm, in person, Ainslie Arts Centre
OR
When: Wednesday 7 August, 10 – 11:30am, online
Register your interest to attend.
A Canberra Theatre Redevelopment team member will contact you to understand requirements that assist you to attend. A stipend payment will be made to eligible participants.
Elections ACT is hosting an online information session focusing on how people with disability or accessibility requirements can be supported to participate in the upcoming 2024 election. This will include information for carers, as well as information about low sensory voting options, postal votes and other inclusive initiatives.
The event will be held on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 06 August from 10am to 11:30am. For more information or to register for the session, visit https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/66fdc7ca-3ea5-47a6-968a-b2e05c04a514@b46c1908-0334-4236-b978-585ee88e4199
Foster and kinship carers are being invited to have their say on the draft Charter for Carers, which will set out the rights and responsibilities of carers interacting with ACT Child Protection Services. Foster and kinship carers can participate in the consultation by completing the survey on the YourSay Charter for Carers Page or contacting charterforcarers@act.gov.au.
The Canberra Health Services has undertaken a review of the Diversion and Therapy Services Model of Care. If you would like to provide feedback on this Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au
ACT Government want to hear from you about what can be improved to enhance the lives of older Canberrans.
Your feedback will help them to develop the next Age-Friendly City Plan.
You can share your experiences, feedback and suggested improvements by responding to an online survey or making a submission at: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/agefriendlycityplan
Your story, your impact!
Carers, don’t miss the chance to share your experiences through the Carer Wellbeing Survey. Your valuable insights shape the future of support for unpaid carers. Your input will help Carers Australia and the Australian Government better understand your needs and provide the support you deserve. The survey is voluntary, confidential and anonymous.
Let’s create positive change together! Click here to complete the 2024 Carer Wellbeing Survey
If you wish to contribute feedback to Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre – Operational Procedure,
Please email mhcarers@carers.org.au for further details.
Developed as part of the co-design process between DSS and the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council along with feedback from more then 2000 people, the draft National Autism Strategy is now open for public feedback. To have your say visit Developing the National Autism Strategy | engage.dss.gov.au
The ACT Government want to hear about the experiences of Canberran’s providing unpaid work, including caring responsibilities. They would like to understand how this relates to participating in paid employment and how they can better recognise the economic contribution of unpaid work in Canberra.
Carers ACT will be lodging a submission directing the committee to the policy and advocacy work that we have already undertaken on this topic. Carers can lodge their own submission via the inquiry website, or share feedback with us at carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au, and we will include it in our submission.
Aged Care Steps (ACS) is exploring how older Australians, and their families access financial advice to support their aged care decisions through a stakeholder survey.
In particular, they are interested in who is providing the advice and how it is provided.
For more information, visit Consultation — Aged Care Steps
Mental Health Justice Health Alcohol and Drug Services (MHJHADS) are reviewing the Custodial Mental Health – Child and Adolescent Operational Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au
People with disability and carers of people with disability who live in the ACT are invited to apply to become a member of the Disability Health Reference Group (DHRG).
The group will provide advice to the ACT Government and Canberra healthcare system on disability health related issues.
For more information, visit ACT Disability Health Strategy – ACT Government
The ACT Government is seeking to understand the factors that influence raising children in the ACT – including cost of living, housing suitability and availability, education, social factors, access to health and paediatric specialists, and any other related issues.
Carers ACT will be lodging a submission highlighting the additional factors that influence raising children with disability.
You can contribute to the Carers ACT submission by emailing carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au with your feedback or lodge your own submission via the Inquiry website or by completing their online form.
A listening report has been released based on community feedback regarding the Curtin Dementia Village Site. A draft Place Development Brief has also been released and is open for public comment on YourSay until 16th April 2024.
Canberra Health Services is seeking feedback on “Restrictive Practices for people NOT detained under the Mental Health ACT 2015”.
If you are interested, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more information.
Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol and Drugs Service is seeking feedback on “Welcome to Dhulwa Information Booklet”.
If you are interested, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more information.
Currently open is the review of the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit – Operational Procedure.
If you would like to contribute to this review please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more details
Currently open is the review of the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit – Visitors to Dhulwa under the Mental Health (Secure facilities) Act 2016
If you would like to contribute to this review please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more details
Currently open is the review of Dhulwa Mental Health Unit – Prohibited items under the Mental Health (Secure facilities) Act 2016 and Restricted items in Dhulwa
If you would like to contribute to this review please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for more details
Consultation is open on the Justice Health Operational Guideline – Alexander McConochie Centre.
If you wish to read and comment on the document please email mhcarers@carersact.gov.au for details.
Join in shaping the future of aged care. The Department of Health and Aged Care invites feedback on the new Aged Care Act. This significant legislation, with its exposure draft released on 14 December 2023, is open for public consultation until 16 February 2024. Your insights are crucial, especially if you’re connected to aged care as a carer or family member. Learn more about how to participate in surveys, webinars, workshops, and send your submissions at Consultation on the new Aged Care Act | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
The ACT Government is holding an inquiry into the prevalence of loneliness and isolation in the ACT community. Go to Inquiry into loneliness and social isolation in the act for more information.
Carers ACT is writing a submission to the Inquiry, looking at the impacts of loneliness and social isolation on carers. If you want to provide input to our submission, please get in touch via carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au by Friday 9th February 2024.
The ACT Government has identified a large block of land in Curtin suitable to build into a village style dementia care facility. Carers of people with dementia and other stakeholders are being invited to provide their feedback on the various design features of the proposed dementia care facility. Focus Group sessions will be held in November and December, and a survey is available until 7 February 2024. Visit Curtin Dementia Village Site | YourSay ACT for more information.
If you wish to contribute feedback to Eating Disorder Residential Treatment Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au by 1 February for further details.
A 1-hour group virtual interview with seeking your views on challenges, successes and lessons learnt regarding DAP’s service delivery and your views on strengths, opportunities and gaps in community-based mental health ‘crisis’ support services.
ACT Health Directorate Nous Group has been engaged by the ACT Health Directorate to evaluate the Discharge Accommodation Program (DAP) and conduct a broader review good practice, opportunities and gaps for community-based mental health ‘crisis’ support services in the ACT. Contact Carers ACT for more information.
Australia is getting a National Carer Strategy to provide a framework for coordination of carer policy across Commonwealth portfolios including aged care, disability, veterans’ affairs and mental health. Carers from across the country are being invited to join the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee, which will contribute to developing the strategy.
The Department of Social Services are seeking nominations for carers to join the Advisory Committee through an open EOI process until 29 January 2024. For more information, or to apply visit:
https://engage.dss.gov.au/national-carer-strategy-advisory-committee-expression-of-interest/
Nous Group has been engaged by the ACT Health Directorate to evaluate the Discharge Accommodation Program (DAP) and conduct a broader review good practice, opportunities and gaps for community-based mental health ‘crisis’ support services in the ACT.
Nous Group are asking for three representatives who have experienced DAP to attend a focus group. Contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au if you have current experience of this program as a carer and wish to contribute.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the MHJHADS Safety Plan. If you would like to provide feedback, please contact mhcarersact@carersact.or.au
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the MHJHADS Safety Plan. If you wish to provide feedback, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Division of Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) has undertaken a review of the Adult Community Mental Health Model of Care.
If you wish to provide feedback on the Model of Care, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
If you wish to provide feedback on this policy, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information.
The Mental Health, Justice Health, and Alcohol & Drug Services (MHJHADS) division of Canberra Health Services has revised the Dhulwa Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Service Model of Care and is now welcoming your feedback. If you wish to contribute to the feedback please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for details or provide direct feedback via Dhulwa Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Service – Model of Care – Feedback Form or emailing chs.mhjhadsserviceandtransformation@act.gov.au
Quality, Safety, Innovation, and Improvement division of Canberra Health Services are currently reviewing this guideline and invite you to provide feedback on this guideline.
Please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au for details if you wish to participate in this.
As a carer representative, you will play a vital role in providing oversight and leadership in the design, development, and implementation of the project. Your expertise and experience will contribute to establishing the Canberra Hospital Safe Haven and assessing the need for future expansions.
If you’re interested in this work, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Friday, December 8th. Applicants with experience of the Safe Haven in Belconnen are particularly welcome.
The Reference Group is seeking a lived experience carer to contribute to the Review of the mental health needs of the ACT multicultural community (the Project).
If you are interested, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further details.
The Australian Government is creating a Disability Employment Centre of Excellence to improve employment outcomes for people with disability. A number of options for how the centre will operate have been developed and feedback is being sought from the community, including people with disability and carers.
The ACT Government is seeking input into the types of services that should be included in the new South Tuggeranong Health Centre to be built near Lanyon Marketplace in Conder. You can provide your feedback by attending one of the pop-ups in November or completing the YourSay survey.
A committee is examining the proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2023 and is welcoming feedback via submissions until December 8th.
The Bill will regulate voluntary assisted dying (also known as VAD) in Canberra. VAD refers to a medical process that gives an eligible person the option to end their own suffering by choosing to administer a medication that causes death.
Carers are welcome to review the proposed legislation and share their views on how this may impact carers with our Policy and Advocacy Team, who will be lodging a submission representing collective carer voices. Please email carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au or phone 02 6296 9900 to share your feedback with the team before November 27th 2023.
Carers can also make their own submission directly to the committee before December 8th by visiting The ACT Legislative Assembly website.
The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing is seeking a Lived Experience carer expert for mental health and support needs of people from multicultural communities reference group: The reference group will provide oversight and leadership in this area.For further information please reach out to mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday 13th November 2023
Representative position open: Safe Haven Expansion Steering Group. Are you a mental health carer looking for an opportunity to get involved in service planning? ACT Health currently has an open position for a lived experience carer representative on the ACT Safe Haven Expansion Project. For further information please reach out to mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday 13th November 2023
For comment: Canberra Health Services Guidelines: Forensic Consultation and Intervention Service. If you wish to comment on this guideline, please reach out to mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday 13th November 2023
The Department of Social Services is inviting people with autism, and their carers, to help develop a National Autism Strategy. The Strategy will be for all Autistic Australians. It will cover key reform areas including access to services, healthcare, education and employment. It will help to guide a more coordinated, national approach supporting Autistic people at each stage of life.
There are a variety of ways for people to participate, including submissions and in person forums, with one taking place in Canberra on October 10.
The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) has been commissioned to support the shaping of the National Mental Health Lived Experience Consumer and Carers, Families, and Kin Peak Bodies. The purpose of these peak bodies is to involve those with lived experience in shaping policies and programs that impact them.
The ACT Health Directorate is currently calling for people to assist them with the Healthy Canberra: ACT Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025. The Plan aims to prevent chronic diseases by supporting people to choose lifestyle behaviours that reduce their risk of developing preventable diseases.
They want to hear about what action you think government can take to reduce chronic disease in the ACT and get your input on the second ACT Preventive Health Action Plan 2023-2025.
You can find out more HERE.
Are you a young Canberran who needs some extra support? Maybe you have used services such as youth drop-in centres, mentoring, counselling or family therapy?
Or are you a parent or carer of a young person in need of support? Or a frontline worker providing family or youth support?
Tell us about your experience of services and programs in the ACT in a short survey.
Join Carers ACT new consultation group and attend when it suits you.
Come along to our first Carers Collective! A chance to bring your caring experiences, ideas, and opinions on a range of topics. Cake and Coffee will be supplied to keep the ideas flowing.
Register by June 12 for our first Carer Collective on Friday 16 June 2023. Read more.
Canberra Health Services (CHS) are seeking carers in the ACT and surrounding region to preview draft creative concepts and share their thoughts through a 1-on-1 interview.
The individual interviews will be conducted over video conference (Zoom) and will be up to 45 mins. You will be paid $80 each for your time and effort. The interview slots will be between between Monday 29 May to Friday 23 June 2023, conducted by CHS’s research agency Bastion Insights.
To register your interest or get more information, please contact Paula.Lang@act.gov.au by Monday 12 June 2023.
Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism are now open, closing at midnight on 29 May 2023.
The Council will advise the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs on the aspirations, needs and concerns and linguistically diverse backgrounds. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with a deep and active connection to community are encouraged to nominate.
Volunteers are an important part of the aged care system freely giving their time, companionship, care, and support.
In 2021 the ACT Government introduced three new laws to make it an offence to:
- abuse a vulnerable person
- fail to protect a vulnerable person from a criminal offence
- neglect a vulnerable person.
To ensure these new laws are effective, the ACT Government is consulting with the Canberra community and key stakeholders on the three offences against vulnerable people to see if the offences are effective and if they can be improved.
Are you interested in changing the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT)?
Join our consultation forum on April 13th, 2023 from 10:30am-12:30pm in meeting room 2 at 80 Beaurepaire Crescent Holt ACT or online via Teams.
Meet Chief Psychiatrist Dinesh Arya and his team, who will discuss the Act and answer questions.
A discussion paper with proposed amendments to the Act will also be available. These changes include Mental Health Act Order contraventions, transportation assistance for assessments, initial assessments after detention, and conditional release orders by ACAT. Contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for a copy.
The Multiculturalism Act 2023 was recently established to support the Territory’s continuous growth and improvement as an inclusive city, celebrating our multiculturalism and diversity. Part of the Act enshrines a new Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism in law. Terms of Reference are now being developed.
The ACT Government believes all Canberrans should have end of life choices that align with their rights, preferences and values.
Consultation is now open to inform the development of a voluntary assisted dying model for the ACT.
Each year, the Carer Wellbeing Survey calls on current and past carers across Australia to tell us about their experiences of being a carer.
This is an open consultation for Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol and Drug Service (MHJHADS). MHJHADS is reviewing Status Mental Health Triage Scales Procedure. If you are interested in providing feedback on this, please contact mhcarers@carersact.org.au for further information Close date: 27/08/2024
Systemic advocacy aims to make positive, long-lasting change for a whole group of people or a community.
Carers ACT undertakes systemic advocacy in all areas that impact a carers life. We work with government, committees, industry groups to make changes across a whole system.
Some examples of our recent advocacy work include;
- Successfully lobbied for and receiving funding for the ACT Carers Strategy
- Working with Access Canberra to make services more accessible to carers and the people they care for
- Worked actively with government and working groups to ensure carers were considered during the Covid-19 response and recovery effort, and advocate for clear advice, support and vaccines for carers
- Developed a mental health respite policy using carer feedback which is now being used to scope a pilot respite service
- Conducted a workshop highlighting the impact of caring and the needs of carers with the policy officers in Health and Community Services Directorates who are involved in commissioning processes. In this way we have been able to have input into the 16 sub-sectors being commissioned to ensure that carers needs are considered in all.
- Actively supporting the participation of carers in the formation of the ACT Disability Strategy.
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Caring for a person with a mental illness can vary from day to day and from person to person. People living with a mental illness can experience periods of wellness and periods of illness, so the caring role can vary greatly.
This can make caring for someone with a mental illness more difficult because it is hard to predict and plan.
As the peak body for mental health carers in the ACT, Mental Health Carers Voice work closely with carers to help make positive changes to the mental health service system ensuring that the perspectives, concerns and ideas voiced by mental health carers and their families are heard by decision-makers.
We support mental health carers to participate in creating positive change in mental health and facilitate their involvement in consultations, media engagement and other advocacy efforts.
Visit MHCV
Caring for someone with a disability is a unique challenge. Carers ACT works with you to make this challenge easier through systemic and individual advocacy, service and supports for you as a carer, and services for the person you care for.
Representing Your Voice – Individual Advocacy
Through our Carers Advocacy program, we can help you negotiate complex bureaucracy, provide links into financial or legal service supports and access services such as the Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman.
Even if you are unsure whether you need advocacy support or if you would just like some advice to tackle a situation for yourself please feel free to contact the service on (02) 6296 9900.
Changing disability systems for the better – Systemic Advocacy
We work with government, the community and health sectors and induvial to make sure your voice as a disability carer is heard and contributes to change.
To get involved in systemic advocacy and have your say, see our open opportunities or contact us carer.advocacy@carersact.org.au.
Have your SayOur Foster and Kinship Carer advocacy team provide free and independent advocacy support to foster and kinship carers experiencing difficulty, and empower carers to navigate systems and resolve issues related to their caring role.
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