Working in Tandem for a compassionate mental health system

Thank you to all the participants, presenters and Tandem members who contributed to making this year’s conference such a great success!

More than 150 family and friends (carers), consumers, researchers, service providers and allies make their way to Abbotsford Convent during Carers Week to discuss the ways in which Victoria’s current mental health system can become a more compassionate, safe, inclusive, fair, funded and integrated haven for  healing.

Tandem would like to also thank, stall holders – Wellways, MIND Australia, MHCC, HACSU and Headspace who joined the Tandem team to share in a laugh, lend a supportive ear and provide information and advice to attendees throughout the day. We would also like to thank Tandem team members Rebecca and Lisa who ran a highly sought after wellbeing breakout room where participants were able to take time out and also participate in reiki and meditation sessions.

Facilitated by Compassion Coach and Facilitator Kim Koop AM the day stared with an inspiring Welcome to Country led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Perry Wandin from Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Followed by an introduction by Parliamentary Secretary Anthony Carbines, a taped message from Minister Martin Foley, and insights from Tandem’s submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System from CEO Marie Piu.

You can access Ms Piu’s presentation here.

A heartfelt speech by Acute and Perinatal Services Manager, Andrew Tomlinson from Mercy Health followed, on life as both a carer, and a mental health service provider, which resonated with many people in the room.

Keynote speaker Debbie Ling presented insights from her PhD investigating the relationship between the perception of common humanity and compassion in healthcare workers.

You can read Ms Ling’s paper here and access her slides from the conference here.

Based on the critical areas identified by you requiring urgent improvement in Victoria’s mental health system, highlighted in Tandem’s submission, the conference was then divided into four main headings: Inclusive, Fair, Safe and Funded.

Quotes from carers have been taken from the Tandem Submission to The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and consultation process. 

The article above is an excerpt from Tandem eNews.  You can access the complete newsletter via the link below:

https://mailchi.mp/5e4d8a52954b/dfxn4oqrm0-1382945?e=34088e3417