News and updates from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning

In this edition Summer 2016 - 2017
Welcome to our Summer edition eNewsletter

For the final update of 2016 we would like to reflect on and share some of our achievements. During the year we have successfully developed, piloted and delivered a variety of face-to-face and online programs.

Some of our accomplishments for 2016 include:
  • statewide roll out of the Suicide Risk Assessment and Management in Emergency Department Settings (SRAM-ED) project - the training program has supported the development of important suicide risk assessment and management skills within our emergency departments
  • launch of QC24 Working with Strengths in Recovery
  • pilot of QC27 Group Facilitation in Therapeutic Contexts (launching early 2017)
  • launch of eight new online learning programs including Acute Management Plan, two Domestic and Family Violence modules (see article below for more info), and Cognitive Remediation Therapy (see article below for more info) to name a few.
The first semester of the 2017 training calendar has been scheduled with January to March dates now available to view online. Thank you to all our Hospital and Health Services (HHS) partners for assisting in the complex coordination of our statewide training schedule.

We look forward to sharing many more new and exciting developments in the New Year and we hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy summer.
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QC27 Group Facilitation in Therapeutic Contexts - new program pilot!

Following on from the efforts of the Statewide Allied Health Mental Health Advisory Group, this new program has been developed. The program is scheduled to pilot in December with nominated representatives across a number of HHSs.

The program will focus on the knowledge and skills required to deliver safe group-based therapeutic interventions.

This blended learning program introduces core practice skills and key considerations in an online learning format, followed by an experiental face-to-face workshop focused on applying the skills learned to support therapeutic group facilitation.

We look forward to launching this program early 2017.
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QC24 Working with Strengths in Recovery - new program update

This new blended learning program was piloted with great success. The program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from recent deliveries with the Gailes Community Care Unit and in Rockhampton.

One of many testimonials from these deliveries:

“This training was very helpful in cementing my understanding of strengths in practice. It was not only engaging, but met expectations and promoted reflection in practice.” (Social Worker)

The program provides the opportunity to develop practical skills for working with consumers in continuing care and community settings. It focuses on holistic care planning to set achievable recovery goals that identify and focus on what is most important to the consumer.

The Strengths Model encourages the clinician and the consumer to focus on possibilities rather than problems, options rather than constraints, and wellness rather than illness.

Learning outcomes for this program include:
  • use person-centred interpersonal skills that support a strengths-based practitioner/consumer working relationship
  • identify a consumers strengths and how these strengths can be used to support a meaningful life as determined by the consumer
  • apply strengths-based approaches to risk and crisis situations
The first delivery scheduled in February 2017 is already fully booked – keep a close eye on the training calendar as further dates are announced next year.
who can attend our training information
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Domestic and Family Violence - new online resources

In response to the recommendations set out in the Not Now, Not Ever, Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence report, the Department of Health developed a toolkit of resources to assist staff in the public and private sector health services to respond to domestic and family violence. We partnered with the Department of Health to develop two online learning modules based on this content.

Visit the Queensland Health domestic and family violence webpage for information on how to support colleagues in the workplace, to access the range of training resources, or for community support details.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) eLearning program - now released

Just released, the development of this online course was led by Dr Frances Dark, Director of Rehabilitation Academic Unit, Metro South Mental Health Service.

The self-paced program is aimed at mental health staff facilitating cognitive remediation programs to help practitioners develop an understanding of the following key elements:
  • cognitive problems experienced by people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia
  • the impact cognitive problems can have on recovery
  • the fundamentals of cognitive remediation therapy.

To participate, visit the Learning Centre's eLearning portal - self-enrolment is available for those new to the learning platform.
learning centre present art supplies

Mental Health Week - Learning Centre supports
consumer art program

Each year in acknowledgement of Mental Health Week, an art exhibition is launched celebrating the amazing art produced by the Consumer Art Groups at The Park - Centre for Mental Health.

The exhibition signifies the culmination of a year's work. However, the output of the art group is not measured in terms of works produced. The art group provides individuals with a safe space to explore inner experiences, develop greater awareness, and enhance their recovery process.

Many consumers are unable to afford art supplies and sometimes need to reuse canvases by painting over old art. This year, funds raised by the Learning Centre were used to purchase an array of art supplies to support the art program.

The donation will provide individuals with the opportunity for a fresh start on blank canvases.

For those interested, art displayed at the exhibition can be purchased and proceeds are provided directly to the consumers.

For more information, contant: irene.francisco@health.qld.gov.au

We look forward to another dynamic and inspiring art collection at next year's showcase.
continuing professional development information
Professional opportunities

The Learning Centre offers a wide range of training programs aimed to provide a practical foundation of knowledge and skills with an emphasis on consumer safety and mental health recovery.

If it has been two years or more since completing any of our programs, you may like to consider attending as a refresher. This will ensure you are up to date with the most current content and practices.

Why not consider including some of these learning opportunities in your next Performance, Planning and Appraisal (PPA) review as achievement targets for the next 6-12 months?

Options include:

For more information visit our website.

Be sure to check the calendar and enrol for our workshops using your current details as soon as possible.
Important information about new Mental Health Act 2016 training

With the new Mental Health Act 2016 training now launched by Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch (the Branch), via iLearn, it is timely to remind authorised delegates that this training replaces the previous online Mental Health Act 2000 training provided by the Learning Centre.

To coincide with changes to the Mental Health Act 2016 the Learning Centre will soon be launching two new specialised eLearning programs:
  • Advance Health Directive (AHD)
  • Assessing Capacity.
In addition, there will be a downloadable tool kit enabling HHS educators to deliver applied face-to-face training on Assessing Capacity and AHD to their local teams.

A review and update of Learning Centre face-to-face programs (including QC13 Capacity Assessment and QC14 Mental Health Assessment) will occur in 2017.
Special advice regarding QC8 Introduction to Supervision

Please be advised that QC8 Introduction to Supervision will undergo a change of title effective 1 January 2017.

The title QC8 Best Practice Models of Supervision has been selected to better reflect the content and intent of the program.

Note: there is no change to the existing program content and this will not effect your current enrolment. Current 2017 enrolments will automatically be updated to reflect the new program title.

Also note: This course remains the pre-requisite for attending QC4 Supervisor. The title change will not impact your ability to proceed to the next phase of supervision training if intending to do so.
mental health professional network logo
Methamphetamine use webinar available

The Mental Health Professionals’ Network together with the NSW Ministry of Health is pleased to provide practitioners across the country with access to a professional development webinar designed to enhance skills in supporting people with comorbid mental health and methamphetamine issues.

The webinar’s expert panel comprises Associate Professor Adrian Dunlop (addiction medicine specialist), Professor Amanda Baker (clinical psychologist), Dr. Hester Wilson (general practitioner), Dr. Grant Sara (psychiatrist) and Dr. Catherine Boland (psychologist and facilitator).

Through the exploration of a case study, the panel discuss the clinical effects and harms related to methamphetamine use, identify evidence-based interventions and highlight strategies to engage specialist treatment services.

You can complete the Self Directed Learning Tool to record this activity for CPD recognition.
Important information:
Fees for Learning Centre training programs to increase.

The Learning Centre has been able to offer very low fees for training programs for many years. Despite increases in operational costs, the Learning Centre has kept its course fee structure unchanged since 2007.

To ensure program sustainability and flexibility, changes to the fees are currently under consideration.
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NEW online training!

The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning website hosts a number of online resources useful to mental health professionals including four NEW resources:
  • Advance Health Directive
  • Assessing Capacity
  • Cognitive Remeditation Therapy (CRT)
  • Police and Ambulance Intervention Plan.
Featured in the next edition...
2017 projects to enhance learning
Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning, Ellerton Drive, Wacol Qld 4076
West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, RTO code 40745
phone: (07) 3271 8837
internet: www.health.qld.gov.au/qcmhl
qheps: qheps.health.qld.gov.au/qcmhl
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