The 2018 International Mental Health Conference is almost upon us again, this year the conference will be held over the 8th – 10th August at the RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

This annual conference is now in its 19th year and continues to be the pinnacle event in the mental health industry. The Conference provides an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and to share knowledge, research and latest policies.

Mr Kevin Allan, New Zealand Mental Health Commissioner joins us at the conference to discuss ‘Mental Health and Addiction Services in New Zealand’.

Abstract

There is widespread public concern about mental health and the quality of mental health and addiction services in New Zealand at present. It has led to a Ministerial Inquiry. Kevin Allan is the New Zealand Mental Health Commissioner, an independent monitoring and complaints assessment role based in the office of the Health and Disability Commissioner. He will provide an assessment of New Zealand's mental health and addiction services based on a consumer-centric monitoring framework developed last year with input from the sector. The presentation will provide an overview of the context in which services are providing support, an assessment of services - both areas of concern and signs of progress - and recommendations for change.

Biography

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Kevin Allan is the New Zealand Mental Health Commissioner, a position in the Office of the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner. He leads the Office’s monitoring and advocacy for improvements to mental health and addiction services and makes decisions on complaints about services. Last year he developed a framework, in consultation with the sector, for monitoring and reporting publicly on New Zealand's mental health and addiction services. The first public report was released in February this year. Kevin's academic background is in law. Prior to commencing his appointment to HDC in February 2016 Kevin held CE and other senior leadership roles in the health, disability and justice sectors.

For further information on the 19th International Mental Health Conference and to secure your spot please visit anzmh.asn.au/conference