Policy & advocacy

Over a quarter of Canberrans report feeling lonely “often”, according to the Living Well in the ACT Region Survey, undertaken by the University of Canberra. We envision a Territory where everyone belongs. Our view is that addressing loneliness isn’t just a matter of “putting yourself out there”, but rather changing our social conditions that separate us from one another. For example:

Improving work/life balance so that people have more leisure time to spend with their families and in their communities
Car dependency and urban sprawl makes it hard to have important chance encounters with our own neighbours. Instead, investing more in parks, accessible footpaths, and amenities that make it easy for people to spend leisure time in their neighbourhoods

Finding ways we can prevent technologies such as social media from dividing us and instead fostering greater connectivity.

As our planet experiences shifts in weather patterns, rising temperatures, and more frequent extreme events, we must recognise and work to mitigate the mental health impacts. The direct effects of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can lead to trauma and stress. Additionally, gradual changes in climate, like prolonged heatwaves and unpredictable weather, contribute to heightened anxiety and emotional distress. Beyond these immediate concerns, the broader implications of climate change, such as extinction and loss of biodiversity, can lead to grief. Addressing climate change isn’t just an environmental imperative; it’s also crucial for safeguarding our mental health and fostering a resilient and sustainable future.

The perinatal period, during pregnancy, birth, and beyond, is a time of profound physical and emotional changes. Community-focused mental health initiatives provide essential support systems, offering peer connection, education, counseling, practical resources like clothing and change tables, and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by expecting and new parents.

We champion efforts towards prevention, early intervention, stigma reduction, and fostering a nurturing cultural environment where parents feel understood and supported.

Investing in community mental health for perinatal care not only contributes to healthier parents but also lays the foundation for the long-term well-being of their children, creating a ripple effect that benefits families and communities as a whole.

There have been signficant developments in the area of justice and mental health in the ACT. The Territory has taken a health-centred approach to drug use through decriminalisation laws. This change reflects a commitment to addressing substance abuse as a public health matter, acknowledging the potential mental health impacts of punitive drug policies. Additionally, the territory has raised the age of criminal responsibility, a move that not only aligns with international standards but also reflects a nuanced understanding of the mental health and developmental considerations surrounding young individuals in the justice system. Our work on justice will aim to create further opportunities for our members to deliver their services in humane, health-driven, evidence-based ways.