CNF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING FORUM

          Wednesday 15 May 0900-1330 followed by lunch

             Australian Nursing Federation Victorian Branch

                 540 Victoria Street, Melbourne, Australia

According to the World Health Organisation, one out of every four persons across the world will experience mental health problems and require mental health care during their lifetime. Nurses have a critical role to play in overcoming the stigma associated with mental health, in health education, in early intervention, and in providing treatment and care.

On 19 May 2013, Commonwealth Health Ministers meet in Geneva on the eve of the 66th World Health Assembly. The theme for the Commonwealth Health Ministers’ meeting is mental health. At the 66th World Health Assembly, a comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 will be submitted for ratification.

The Mental Health Nursing Forum, hosted by the Commonwealth Nurses Federation, the Australian Nursing Federation, and the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, will provide an opportunity for nurses to discuss the critical role of mental health nursing in addressing the global mental health burden and formulate recommendations to go to the Commonwealth Health Ministers.

Registration is essential as places are limited

To book, please email: jill@commonwealthnurses.org (or jill@jilliliffe.com) with your name, country, and any dietary requirements by 12 May. There is no charge to attend the forum however registration is essential as places are limited. Nurses from non-Commonwealth countries are encouraged to attend to share experiences and expertise.

MHN Forum

RE-LAUNCH OF COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

The Commonwealth Foundation has unveiled its new strategic plan 2013-2016. 'Participatory governance' will be the priority for all Commonwealth Foundation activities for the next four years. A new grants program was also announced which saw the axing of dedicated grants for accredited Commonwealth civil society associations which is very disappointing. A copy of the new strategic plan is available from: http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com

COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT STRATEGIC PLAN

The Commonwealth Secretariat has released a further draft of their strategic plan 2013-2016. While health and education get a mention in this draft, there is no indication of whether staff or resources will be attached or what the process will be for the Secretariat to work with Commonwealth accredited health and education associations. The CNF and the Commonwealth Health Professions Alliance is continuing to lobby for health to have a stronger focus in the strategic plan.

Strategic Plan Nov 2012

CHPA submission CommSec 12.10.12
CNF letter CommSec 21.08.12

Number 47 2012 Commonwealth Nurse
The Commonwealth Nurse Number 47

Volume 6 Issue 2 February 2013 e-News
e-news February 2013

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