The final report from the Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System was formally released on the 2nd March 2021.   Áine Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Chris Maylea, Senior Lecturer at RMIT University and Deputy Chair of the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) about the recommendations, proposed changes and initiatives. Chris speaks from his experience as a mental health social worker and practising lawyer. He is the Deputy Chair of the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) and the author over 50 peer reviewed publications and reports, as well as Law for Social Work, published by Macmillan in 2020. Chris has managed mental health services and researched extensively in the area of mental health law.

Transforming Perceptions

Chris Maylea Comments - Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System - 'Do the recommendations put consumers and carers at the forefront of change in repairing a broken system?'

In the second week of Mental Health Month Áine chats with with Markus Fischer, Peer Support Worker, Relationship’s Australia Canberra, about Gambling Harm. I speak with Markus Fischer from Relationships Australia.  Gambling Harm Awareness Week is coming up soon and runs from the 18th – 24th October 2021.  Markus has a lived experience of gambling harm and works within the Gambling Harm Support Team at Relationships Australia Canberra as a Peer Worker providing education, support and awareness-raising in the ACT region.  Markus shares his personal story and insights into the harmful impacts of gambling addiction and how that may affect a person’s mental health and well-being and relationships with families and friends. To hear more of these stories, join us live, livestream or listen back On Demand off our 2xx Transforming Perceptions program page or listen to our podcasts available through AnchorFM, Spotify, BreakerFM, Pocket Casts, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast and Radio Public. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Mental Health Month October 2021 - Week 2 - In Conversation Markus Fischer, Peer Support Worker, Relationship’s Australia Canberra - Gambling Harm.

In the second week of Mental Health Month Áine chats with Jen Ramirez, Service Manager at Headspace Canberra about National Headspace Day activities. Áine speaks with Jen Ramirez about Headspace Day, which is a National Day of Support held this year on 6th October to acknowledge issues around the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians.  This year’s theme is - ‘Small Steps Start Big Things’.  Jen says that “this year we want young people to know that small steps start big things.  We are encouraging all young people to take small steps that are right for them”.  We are encouraging young people to create some time and space to focus on the things they love.  Spending five or 10 minutes each day on something that helps them to slow down a little, create a routine, connect with someone or take a moment to breathe”. Join us live, livestream or listen back On Demand off our 2xx Transforming Perceptions program page or listen to our podcasts available through AnchorFM, Spotify, BreakerFM, Pocket Casts, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast and Radio Public. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Mental Health Month October 2021 - Week 2 - National Headspace Day - In Conversation with Jen Ramirez, Headspace Canberra.

Speaking Out about the needs of Multicultural, Migrant and Refugee Communities. In the first week of Mental Health Month Áine chats with Vikas Sharma about Reducing Racism, Increasing Integration and Acceptance for the well-being of migrant Australians. Final report, August 2017 from the Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism - Ways of protecting and strengthening Australia's multiculturalism and social inclusion “According to the Scanlon Foundation, experiences of discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity or religion has increased by five per cent since 2015.  This is the highest level recorded in the Scanlon Foundation's surveys to date. Further research shows that discrimination is most prevalent against those overseas-born of non-English speaking background, with the highest level of discrimination reported by South Sudanese”. Racial discrimination and vilification have extremely harmful effects on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Racial discrimination has the potential to erode social cohesion, and cause individuals to feel socially isolated and disempowered.6 It can also lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. Vikas is a skilled migrant who migrated to Australia with his family in 2019.  He is a volunteer presenter with 2xx Community Radio putting to air the weekly show ACT Desi.  Vikas speaks out about his experiences of integration and concerns for the well-being of migrant communities here in the ACT. Join us live, livestream or listen back On Demand off our 2xx Transforming Perceptions program page or listen to our podcasts available through AnchorFM, Spotify, BreakerFM, Pocket Casts, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast and Radio Public. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Mental Health Month October 2021 - In Conversation with Vikas Sharma on Reducing Racism, Increasing Integration & Acceptance for the well-being of migrant Australians.

Áine chats with Dor Akech Achiek, Settlement Services Manager at Settlement Services International about how the Covid lockdowns are impacting the mental well-being of the refugee community in Australia. Dor was 4 years old when his family left South Sudan running from the war, rocket propelled grenades, cheating death to spend 9 years in a refugee camp in Kenya.  He left the camp for Australia when it was under attack from local bandits looting whatever supplies were left.  Dor speaks about how Covid lockdowns have affected those in the refugee community, and the impacts of new trauma that may trigger a relapse in mental health and the importance of seeking help.  He discusses the cultural taboos that prevent people in his community from talking about what is troubling them for fear of being perceived as weak or mad.  As a man, he said, it is very hard to speak up as we are supposed to the warriors and strong.  Dor says that he has had to put himself first and build resilience, prioritise his health and education first so that he can then take care of others. In his role with Settlement Services International he has worked as a liaison between the Police, Military and community leaders to improve communication so that refugee communities can receive the support and information they need.  Dor was involved in the development of the app #ChatStarter which can assist parents, family and communities in starting conversations about well-being. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

In Conversation with Dor Akech Achiek, Settlement Services Manager, Settlement Services International - The Impact of Covid Lockdowns on Mental Well-being of the Refugee Community and #ChatStarter.

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, AM FAHMS, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre.  Professor Kulkarni specialises in the area of women's mental health. She has written about Premenstrual syndrome, using hormones to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression in women. Professor Kulkarni discusses the importance of RU Okay Day, the impact of Covid-19 stress, particularly on woman, and the latest data from research being undertaken by Monash University. In the context of RU Okay Day and World Suicide Prevention Day we also discuss Suicide Prevention.  Professor Kulkarni also provides strategies for starting conversations about our mental health and how we can maintain well-being in an environment of added stress from lockdowns and social and emotional impacts of Covid-19.

In Conversation with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni - The importance of RU Okay Day in a Covid-19 Context and Strategies to Support Mental Well-being.

This week with RU Okay Day on the 9th September and World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th September Áine chats with Royina Bakshi about the development of the app #ChatStarter and how that can assist in starting conversations about well-being. Royina, is a 24 year old student living in Melbourne. She graduated university last year after a year of online study due to the pandemic and now works in communications and public relations. She moved to Melbourne two years ago from India and has found it hard to deal with the stresses of lockdowns and COVID.  Royina speaks about the major factors that contribute to her poor mental well-being and the impact of not being able to see her parents, who live in Dubai, and her grandparents who are back in India. Royina is very passionate speaking about her culture and how many of her Indian friends refuse to get help when they have mental health issues. Royina says this is widely common in India as things like depression and anxiety are seen as ‘white people’ issues. She’d like to help spread the message to her Indian community that it’s not shameful to seek help when it comes to people’s mental health.

In Conversation with Royina Bakshi - #ChatStarter and starting conversations about well-being with your community, family and friends.

Áine chats with local ACT musician and songwriter Matt Dent about the  making of his new album ‘Stories’. Matt is a well-seasoned regional  singer/songwriter performing throughout Canberra and regional NSW, from the Southern Highlands to Nowra and Eden on the south coast.  Matt, like many performers, has lost so much work due to Covid that his only option to survive, feed his family and to keep making music was to go online.  As  well has having to reshuffle the way he works Matt has been busy writing an album called ‘Stories’.  The album contains 13 brilliantly-crafted,  Aussie songs, all of them produced to absolute perfection and recorded by legendary producer David Pendragon who retired to Canberra from Melbourne.  Supporting musicians include Jonathon Jones (Drummer for Eric Bogal); Rose Bygrave (Goanna); Bob Magnusson (top New York sax player who toured with Frank Zappa and Whitney Houston); Lindsay Martin (renowned  Aussie folk performer) and many more. To hear Matt’s music and more about his story, listen to our podcasts  available through AnchorFM, Spotify, BreakerFM, Pocket Casts, Apple  Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast and Radio Public. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and  information from the lived and living perspective, community,  multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round  the world.

In Conversation with Matt Dent, Canberra musician and songwriter about the making of his album ‘Stories’.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Dr Emma Tseris, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Policy Studies, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney. “Much of Emma's work is centred on the question: How are dominant understandings and responses to mental distress embedded in relations of power, and how can alternative and marginalised perspectives be made more visible?” Áine and Emma discuss these factors and how societal constructs and historical and gendered stereotyping of women may contribute to the formulation of negative perceptions and invalidation of women who have experienced domestic and family violence, rape and abuse, and in particular how this impacts women living with mental illness of disability. “Emma’s research and teaching areas include critical mental health theory, intersections between gender and psychiatric labelling practices, power inequalities between professionals and service users, and therapisation trends within neo-liberal societies. She is the author of Trauma, Women’s Mental Health and Social Justice: Pitfalls and Possibilities, published by Routledge in 2019, which utilises critical and post-structural feminist theories to interrogate assumptions about the effects of gender-based violence on women’s lives, and to highlight the oppressive implications of an individualising, symptom-focused approach to understanding trauma” (https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/supervisors/2145). Does Research Matter? is a bi-monthly segment of the Transforming Perceptions radio show which focuses on discussing and exploring the benefits and value of research,  types of research and showcasing current research.  Guests/ researchers  will argue the case as to whether evidence-based research is appropriate for the particular issue and why. Join us live or livestream on 2xx Community Radio 98.3 FM or listen back On Demand off our 2xx Transforming Perceptions program page. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Does Research Matter? – In Conversation with Dr Emma Tseris - ‘Unpacking Women’s Safety - Perceptions of Women with Mental Illness and Disability who have experienced sexual assault.'

Today on our Energising Your Life segment our theme is Transformation,  Taking the Steps to Change. I replay an interview from October 2019 with Gabrielle Conescu, Artist,  Speaker and Mentor about her decision to change her life and pursue her  dream of being an artist. How many of us wish that we could follow our  passion? How many of us wish that we could embrace our true selves and come more fully back to inner balance through doing what we love and  what feeds our well-being? Four years ago Gabrielle Conescu was working  as a professional bookkeeper, when she recognised that she could no  longer sustain her well-being within an unhealthy work environment.  Gabrielle shares her experiences and how she took the first tentative steps to making the significant changes that set her on a new path.  Gabrielle believes that there is opportunity for everyone to step into  what they love. Gabrielle is passionate about helping others living to  their highest potential. She mostly works from home and exhibits her  gorgeous artworks in various locations, including 2Mad Sisters, Sandgate  and Optimal Life Solutions, Enoggera in Brisbane QLD.  Transforming  Perceptions bringing you news, views, updates and diverse perspectives  from the lived and living experience, community, multicultural and  mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Energising Your Life - Transformation, Taking the Steps to Change – In Conversation with Gabrielle Conescu, Artist, Speaker and Mentor.

Zakia and I discuss the changing role and work of the Multicultural Hub in Canberra and the barriers faced by people of multicultural backgrounds in gaining mental health services and information. Zakia has an extensive network within the community sector, with a particular passion for young people in the community, especially young people from a migrant back ground. Zakia is an advocate for migrant women and works to promote the importance of women  in leadership roles. In 2019 Zakia was a keynote speaker at an International Women’s Day event, as well as a panel speaker at the 2019 YWCA She Lead’s Conference. Join us live, livestream on 2xx 98.3 FM Community Radio, or listen back On Demand off our 2xx Transforming Perceptions program page. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

In Conversation with Zakia Patel, Regional Managing Director, Multicultural Hub Canberra & Regional NSW - The changing role and work of the Multicultural Hub, Canberra.

The final report from the Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health System was formally released on the 2nd March 2021. Áine Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Dr Kathryn Daley, Senior Lecturer & Program Manager, Youth Work and Youth Studies at RMIT University about the recommendations, proposed changes and initiatives and whether they meet the needs of youth. Kathryn was a youth alcohol and other drug outreach worker before becoming a Research Fellow at the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) prior to completing her doctorate.  As Senior Lecturer & Program Manager, Youth Work and Youth Studies at RMIT University her work and research is about improving the well-being and opportunity of young people who are experiencing chronic disadvantage in our community including those with substance misuse, and working to develop interventions for young people with concurrent housing and mental health issues. Her other areas of expertise are youth policy, self injury, gender, corrections and poverty.

Dr Kathryn Daley Comments - Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health - 'Are the needs of youth adequately covered in the final report & do young people have a voice in building a new MH system?'

Kate Taylor, is an innovative business woman working within the recruitment industry, telehealth and corporate health and well-being.  Kate has expanded her business in 2021 and knows the benefits of keeping her team’s mental health top of mind, as well as her own, especially through the challenging COVID-19 period. “Small Businesses are the largest employers in Australia. They account for almost 98% of all actively trading businesses in NSW and have an increased risk of mental ill-health due to the unique stress factors they face, in particular financial stress. With the additional stress of COVID-19, there has never been a tougher time to be in business, especially for those who survived the challenges presented last year”. “The National Mental Health Commission (NMHC), in collaboration with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, has developed Australia’s first national mental health resources to support both business owners and employees during COVID-19.  The resources, which are a series of easy to use evidence-based guides, acknowledge the difficulties and financial stress of COVID-19 on Australian workers and provide simple and practical advice that can help employers and employees recognise the signs that someone may need support, and assist them to find help when they need it”.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Kate Taylor, CEO Taylor Care Group – Resources to Aid the Mental Health and Well-being of Small Business and Sole Traders.

“Small Businesses are the largest employers in Australia. They account for almost 98% of all actively trading businesses in NSW and have an increased risk of mental ill-health due to the unique stress factors they face, in particular financial stress. With the additional stress of COVID-19, there has never been a tougher time to be in business, especially for those who survived the challenges presented last year”. “The National Mental Health Commission (NMHC), in collaboration with the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, has developed Australia’s first national mental health resources to support both business owners and employees during COVID-19.  The resources, which are a series of easy to use evidence-based guides, acknowledge the difficulties and financial stress of COVID-19 on Australian workers and provide simple and practical advice that can help employers and employees recognise the signs that someone may need support, and assist them to find help when they need it”. Yohana Franklin, is an experienced project manager with a Bachelor of Neuroscience (Honours) from Cardiff University and a Prince 2 Project Management Qualification.  Yohana’s work focuses on designing, delivering and implementing evidence-driven, mental health promotion and prevention projects and translating knowledge into practice.  Yohana is currently leading on Ahead for Business a mental health and wellbeing support for small business owners across Australia; and Minds Together project - a suite of programs and resources designed to inform, empower and support the mental health and wellbeing of families, educators, carers and communities.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Yohana Franklin, Project Lead, Everymind – Resources to Aid the Mental Health and Well-being of Small Business and Sole Traders.

2020 has been a difficult year and Transforming Perceptions has been covering all issues that connect mental health and well-being, diversity and the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.   Put to air on the 5th December 2020, this is the last discussion in the series around Aged Care and Covid for 2020 featuring insights from Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi.  Áine and Jeff also dive into the Productivity Commission report and recommendations, the Dementia and Covid report and recent research that cites technology addictions, particularly focused on the use of smart phones.  We also discussed the prevalence and increase in workplace surveillance, whether it is ethical practice and how it is impacting mental health and well-being.  Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi is a Researcher in Neuro-degenerative Diseases, Specialist in Dementia Care and Head of Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry Department at the Australian National University Medical School, Canberra. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Productivity Report, Dementia and Covid report and technology addiction – is it a love/hate relationship? - Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi and Áine Ní Tighearnaigh in Conversation

Transforming Perceptions offers a range of views on subjects that may have direct or indirect links to social, emotional and mental well-being and aims to promote de-stigmatisation of mental illness in the community, especially for people of multicultural, migrant and refugee backgrounds. Discussion links self-care and mental well-being with issues including mental health research, health, education, life style choices, or to activities such as gardening, yoga, meditation or spirituality. The opinions expressed on the show are not necessarily those of the Transforming Perceptions team.

Chris Maylea Comments - Royal Commission into the Victorian ...