Griffith Centre for Mental Health

08/05/2026

Thanks for sharing this work from our researchers Di Farmer MP

Kids with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FASD, can struggle right from birth with impulse control, memory and decision making — not because they’re “bad kids”, but because their brains are permanently affected.

And it does mean they’re overrepresented in the youth justice system.

Why is why prevention, early intervention and tailored supports are critical. If we can get in early, we can make a difference to the way that child’s life turns out.

We have some of the best work happening anywhere in the country right here in QLD.

And Meaghan Scanlon and I were very privileged to meet some of the people over the last few months, who are doing that work.

A huge thank you to:
Professor Sharon Dawe and her team at Parents Under Pressure who are evaluating a family-based support process for young children with FASD
Professor Diane Shanley and her team at The Tracking Cube who are expanding their program which provides screening and support for children at risk of FASD.

Meaghan Scanlon MP

05/05/2026

For our

Always wanted to attend Themhs and haven't managed to do it yet? Here's a way to help with costs if you are:

Someone with Lived Experience OR
A young clinician from Australia or New Zealand OR
Someone working in the mental health sector in a Pacific Nation (excluding Australia and New Zealand)

TheMHS aims to support as many people as possible to attend TheMHS Conferences. This year, they have a range of bursaries available for those who might not otherwise be able to attend.

Three types of bursaries are available:

Full Bursaries: includes an in-person registration and a travel stipend
Registration Bursaries: includes an in-person registration
Virtual Bursaries: includes a virtual registration

The closing date has been extended - but there's only 5 days left, so don't move this one to the "I'll get to it later" pile, you'll want to do it now.

Applications close 10 May 2026. Link to apply is in the comments.

15/04/2026

If you've ever supported someone through a mental health crisis, you'll know the pattern. You're in action mode for weeks or months, trying to hold everything together, and then when things finally settle, you're left with a pile of feelings you haven't had time to process. Associate Professor Marianne Wyder's 2025 research calls this a Relational Response Zone.

Mental Health Carers Australia is hosting a follow-up webinar with Associate Professor Wyder on Wednesday 22 April. The response to last year's session was clear: people wanted to go take more time. So rather than introduce new content, this session is a facilitated conversation using an Action Learning Set format, working through core questions from the research with the group.

Whether you're a carer trying to make sense of your own experience, or someone who works alongside families and wants language for what you see, this webinar could be extremely valuable. If you missed the previous webinar, that doesn't rule you out though. You can review the research paper, a recording of the first session, and a reflective worksheet developed specifically for carers. All of these are available when you register.

🔗Registration Link in Comments 🔗

14/04/2026

For our members - closing 17 April!

⚖️National Census of the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce
The first-ever national census of the mental health and su***de prevention lived experience workforce is now open. If you work in this space, or know someone who does, this is a landmark opportunity to be counted, have your voice heard, and shape workforce development for years to come.
Take the survey 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjsD0

Get involved — a quick roundup of meaningful ways to contribute, connect, and grow across the mental health, First Nations and community sectors.

⚖️National Census of the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce
The first-ever national census of the mental health and su***de prevention lived experience workforce is now open. If you work in this space, or know someone who does, this is a landmark opportunity to be counted, have your voice heard, and shape workforce development for years to come.
Take the survey 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjsD0

🏡Q Shelter Thrive at Work Summit
A one-day immersive event for anyone working in or alongside Queensland's community services sector. The focus: building healthier, safer, and more sustainable workplaces. Practical, sector-specific, and worth the day.
Find out more 👉https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjzV0

🌱NAIDOC Week Grants
In honour of 50 years of NAIDOC Week, grants of $500–$2,500 are available to support activities across Queensland that celebrate the 2026 theme and showcase the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through stories, art, and community activity.
Applications close soon 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjJp0

🎓Future Leaders Graduate Program — First Nations Pathways
The Queensland Government is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates ready to lead and shape the future of this state. If that's you, or someone in your network — this is worth sharing.
Learn more 👉 https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0LjQD0

06/03/2026

https://theconversation.com/she-made-us-feel-comfortable-how-trusting-and-safe-pharmacy-services-improve-first-nations-health-256697?utm_medium=article_clipboard_share&utm_source=theconversation.com

First Nations people were more likely to feel confident about their medication – and to take it – when they had advice tailored to them. And their health improved.

02/03/2026

Tomorrow, applications open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships.

Each year, Australians from every sector, industry and community take a bold step — to explore a question, challenge a system, investigate global best practice, and bring practical solutions home.

A Churchill Fellowship isn’t about titles or status.
- It’s about curiosity.
- It’s about impact.
- It’s about the courage to ask, “What if we could do this better?”

Our message this year is simple: Be bold. Have courage. Back yourself.

If you have an idea that could strengthen your field, your community or Australia more broadly — this could be your opportunity.

Take the first step and ask yourself - is this my year to apply?
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/become-a-fellow/

06/11/2025

Read the full article to see what needs to change to close the life expectancy gap!

The life expectancy gap is due largely to preventable health issues, not su***de.

👉 Read the full story: https://theconversation.com/heres-why-people-with-mental-illness-die-on-average-11-years-earlier-than-other-australians-266892

29/10/2025

Does your child become very afraid of certain situations or objects, worry about a lot of things, get very distressed, or try to avoid things they fear?
Griffith University, as funded by the Wellcome Trust, is conducting the PATCH research study. This study involves a free home-based assessment and treatment for 7 to 12 year old children with fear and anxiety disorders.
Learn more👇

Home > Griffith Health > School of Applied Psychology > Research > Childhood Anxiety Disorders > Childhood Anxiety Disorders Research Program

06/10/2025

🌏 World Mental Health Day is coming up on 10 October!
This year’s theme is “Connect with your community” — because feeling connected helps us feel like we belong.
💬 Whether it’s your friends, neighbours, colleagues or a sports team — community matters.
Let's use this time to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing.
🗓️ To help you stay connected, Mental Health Australia has created a free 2025 calendar packed with daily tips and gentle reminders to support your mental wellbeing.
👉 Grab yours here: http://bit.ly/42kUX3d

Griffith University Australian Institute for Su***de Research and Prevention - AISRAP Roses in the Ocean

Mental Health Australia has also collaborated with ReachOut, one of Australia's leading online mental health services for young people, to create a calendar especially for 16-24 years old – or the young at heart!  

05/10/2025

🌟 Supporting Lived Experience 🌟
As we celebrate , it's a timely reminder to keep at the centre of su***de prevention efforts.
The National Su***de Prevention Conference , 28–30 April 2026, Sydney, offers a vital space for advocates, researchers, service providers, policymakers, people with lived experience and communities to share insights, build meaningful connections, and drive impactful change.
💲To help people with lived experience of su***de who are facing financial barriers, Su***de Prevention Australia is offering bursaries to support attendance.
🗓️ Applications close 2 November 2025

Let’s connect for mental health this QMHW!

Australian Institute for Su***de Research and Prevention - AISRAP Roses in the Ocean

To support people with lived experience of su***de who are facing financial difficulties attend the National Su***de Prevention Conference (28–30 April 2026, ICC Sydney) we are offering the opportunity to apply for a bursary. This is your chance to help shape the future of su***de prevention in Australia and beyond by sharing your valuable insights and knowledge.

Applications are open until 2 November 2025.

Learn more and apply at conference.su***depreventionaust.org/bursaries