07 March 2024
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
We hope you are well and enjoy reading this latest Families ACT member update.
In this edition: Spaces still available for the next JCR on 20 March at our offices, ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation survey is now open, Capital Health Network has two open tenders, a new Family Support Services Directory 2024 has been published and the YouthCo will run another ‘Talk to Them’ training session in April 2024.
Spaces still available: Register now open for 2024 Joint Case Reviews (JCR)
Families ACT is pleased to announce that we scheduled six Joint Case Reviews (JCRs) for 2024 with the first JCR being held on Wednesday 20 March 20224 from 9.30am to 11.30am at our offices in O’Connor!
Come and join us! You can find the dates for all six JCRs and register for the one on 20 March 2024 for FREE via our Eventbrite account!
And please forward this email to interested staff and/or colleagues.
For more information about JCRs and our sector development opportunities visit our website! If you have any questions or want more information about JCRs, please email us at comms@familiesact.org.au
ACT Government’s 2024-25 budget consultation survey now open
Mid February the 2024-25 Budget Consultation survey opened on the YourSay panel. By joining the Panel, you can help shape the policies, programs and services that make Canberra a great place to live. To join the Panel so that you can take part in this survey, and others, click here.
The survey will remain open for 6 weeks, until 25 March 2024.
You are also able to provide your or your organisation’s input via a written submission. A form has been made available for written budget submissions if you wish to provide more detailed input. If you encounter any difficulties in using this form, your submission may still be emailed through to budgetconsultation@act.gov.au.
Additional details about the budget consultation process can be found on the ACT Government’s YourSay page.
Requests for Proposal: Capital Health Network (CHN)
Capital Health Network currently has two open tenders, closing in late March and early April:
1. Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention
Capital Health Network (CHN), the ACT’s primary health network, is seeking to commission suicide prevention services or initiatives from non-government organisations and community groups within the ACT. This funding is to support a wide variety of initiatives that directly support the local ACT region and communities, to take positive action in reducing the risk of suicide, stigma and promoting social inclusion.
These initiatives will be community-led and directed at those experiencing suicidal distress, and who are not currently part of the mental health system, and their families and carers. It is also focused on creating sustainable impacts on the support and wellbeing of this at-risk population.
CHN is inviting applications from potential providers to:
Build the capacity and capability of the ACT region’s suicide prevention workforce and relevant community members to respond to distress and link people with appropriate supports and services.
Initiate or adapt suicide prevention activities for at-risk cohorts in our community to identify and respond early to distress. This can include various channels including online, telephone, videoconference and face to face to meet community needs.
Improve care coordination and service pathways for people at risk of suicide ideation, attempted suicide or are bereaved by suicide.
Facilitate peer support and mentorship programs for people at risk or impacted by suicide.
The closing date and time for this RFP is 5pm Friday 5 April 2024. A briefing session will be held on Wednesday 13 March at 3pm. Register here
View the Request for Proposal documentation. Questions and request for information close at 5pm Friday 22 March 2024.
2. Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Pilot
Capital Health Network is seeking to commission suitably qualified and experienced organisations to establish Family and Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Child Sexual Abuse (FDSV) Link Worker/s in the ACT to:
Support primary health care professionals (general practice staff and allied health professionals) in recognising and responding to early signs of FDSV, via whole-of-practice tailored education and training opportunities, and resources.
Serve as a dedicated one-point-of-referral service for primary healthcare staff to refer patients experiencing FDSV.
Provide initial case coordination, timely risk assessment, and safety planning, followed by warm referrals to appropriate long-term supports and specialist services for victim-survivors of FDSV referred via primary care.
Improve integration between primary health care and FDSV services sector.
Enhance service navigation for victim-survivors of FDSV.
There is a total of $2.2 million available for these activities.
The closing date and time for this RFP is 5pm Friday 22 March 2024. A briefing session will be held 10am, Thursday 7 March, 10am. Register here
View the Request for Proposal documentation. Questions and request for information close at 5pm Monday 18 March 2024.
“Talk to Them” training - Responding to domestic & family violence (DFV) in youth work
The Youth Coalition of the ACT is holding another "Talk to Them" training session next month. The training takes place over 2 days on 11th and 12th of April 2024 from 9.30am - 4.30pm.
It will equip you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to initiate discussions about Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) with young people. Youth workers play a vital role in engaging with young people and providing them with support. This training will increase your capacity to understand, recognise and respond to DFV issues, safely refer the young person and/or family to specialist DFV services, and continue to support them as they navigate the specialist DFV support system.
To register and for more information on the 11 & 12 April 2024 training session, click here
New Family Support Services Directory 2024
The Southside Initiative aims to develop community driven solutions to better support vulnerable children 0-8 years and their families in targeted regions. This Initiative uses a collaborative and community focused approach to develop and trial practical activities and initiatives aimed at improving life outcomes for children and families who live in the southside. They have developed a new Family Support Services Directory to support community organisation, schools and early childcare centre who support families.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
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