ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Inc.

03/11/2025

If you're 16 - 24, live in NSW, with experience of mental health struggles, NSW Health want to hear from you.

Join the Mental Health Youth Advisory Group, connect with other vibrant young people & help shape youth mental health services.

Find out more https://bit.ly/47S6Ob9

03/11/2025

03/11/2025

Our National Human Rights survey is now open!

This is Australia's first and only human rights survey for mental health consumers, by mental health consumers.

Share your story to help hold systems to account: https://buff.ly/3B8a16N

03/11/2025

Take Control of Your Mental Health Care – Before You Need To

My Rights, My Decisions is a free, hands-on workshop designed to help you plan ahead for your mental health care — in a way that feels safe, empowering, and practical.

Wednesday 26 November
10.30am to 2pm
Network Office, Griffin Centre
20 Genge Street, Canberra City

Whether you’ve experienced mental health challenges or simply want to make sure your voice is heard during tough times, this workshop gives you the tools to:
• Understand your rights under the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT)
• Learn how to choose a Nominated Person and create an Advance Agreement or Advance Consent Direction
• Get your own Form Kit, and learn how to complete and submit it so it’s legally valid
• Start reflecting on your values and preferences with guided activities
• Leave with a folder full of useful resources — including a workbook, fact sheets, a keyring and z-card

Visit https://actmhcn.org.au/my-rights-my-decisions-for-consumers/ for more details and to register.

This isn’t just an information session — it’s a chance to take real steps toward protecting your rights and making sure your care reflects what matters most to you.

23/10/2025

22/10/2025

22/10/2025

Young Carer Bursary Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 Young Carer Bursary Program, which supports young carers in staying engaged in education while balancing their caring responsibilities.

A total of 1,600 bursaries, each valued at $4,000, will be awarded to help cover education-related costs, including books, tutoring, technology, and transport. Applications are open from 10:00 am on 10 October 2025 and will close at 11:59 pm on 7 November 2025.

A young carer is someone aged 12–25 who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend living with disability, chronic illness, mental illness, frailty due to age, or alcohol and other drug dependency.

This year’s application process has been streamlined and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Apply now at: https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/bursary/young-carer-bursary/

For any questions, email: youngcarerbursary@carersaustralia.com.au

22/10/2025

Max Simensen was seventeen when he dropped out of high school following a su***de attempt. Traditional education had failed him repeatedly.

Then he discovered peer work. Watch his journey from youth peer worker to MHCC trainer - a path that wasn't linear, that included setbacks, but ultimately led somewhere transformative: https://zurl.co/gQA5n

This month marks ten years since Mental Health Coordinating Council began delivering the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. Max's story is one of over 1,100 people who have found professional pathways through a qualification designed to respect and recognise lived experience.

The mental health system often asks people to leave their experiences at the door. Peer work says those experiences are exactly what makes the work valuable. That's why this anniversary matters. It represents a decade of challenging that assumption and building something better.

Congratulations MHCC on ten years of genuine workforce development, and many more to come!

Learn more: https://zurl.co/Sjngn

22/10/2025

HAVE YOUR SAY - police as first responders - https://mailchi.mp/being/pspoliceresponse-5359978

20/10/2025

We need your voice 🗣️

Your experiences help us build the evidence needed to influence change and strengthen support for mental health carers across the ACT.

This survey is designed specifically for mental health carers — because your challenges, insights, and needs deserve to be heard.
Take a few minutes to share your voice and help shape future advocacy.

👉 Complete the survey here - https://bit.ly/46yH1W0

20/10/2025

Ready to grow new connections? If you’re 45+ and living with disability, join our online Welcoming Community Program. Meet in a small, peer-led Learning Circle to share stories, build confidence and take steps toward your goals.

Cost: Free program
When: November, Fortnightly for 6 months

Open to people across Australia!

All resources provided. Accessibility supports available.

To grow with us fill out this EOI https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_1u-gtyI2Eq3n_EpH85TXmm8eHxypeJDiiAMcIbgMllURFo1UTdETUdLQUE2VENaQkVEOUdGNEo0US4u&route=shorturl

or Email Welcome@advocacyforinclusion.org

15/10/2025

PLACES ARE FILLING UP FAST!

For Mental Health Month 2025, the Network invites you to STRIKE up some fun for mental health!, at a special event we are organising. Best of all – it’s FREE!

Thursday 22 October, 12pm – 2pm, Kingpin Bowling, Canberra Centre

This is a terrific opportunity to reduce stress, boost your mood, and build a sense of community.

So get together a group of friends or work colleagues (up to a group of 4) or come by yourself!

Register via the STRIKE up some fun for mental health! event page (https://actmhcn.org.au/strike-up-some-fun-for-mental-health/)

STRIKE up some fun for mental health is brought to you by the Network with the support of Mental Health Month ACT and the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT.