The 2016 Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium will be held at Mantra on Salt, Kingscliff, NSW from 2-4 November 2016. This year’s symposium promises to be our best ever, providing opportunities to learn, discuss, workshop and network with others who share a passion for rural and remote mental health.

Professor Jane Farmer is Research Professor of Health & Social Innovation, Deputy Director, Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University, Melbourne and will present a keynote address at the symposium.

Professor Jane Farmer

Jane has been researching rural health services and stakeholder involvement in their design, since 1998. She has worked at University of Aberdeen Medical School and Business School (1998-2006). She co-directed The Centre for Rural Health Research & Policy at the University of the Highlands & Islands, based in Inverness, Scotland (2006-2010).  From 2010-16, Jane worked at La Trobe University, as Head of the Rural Health School and latterly as Associate Pro Vice Chancellor, Research in the College of Science, Health & Engineering.

Jane’s talk will reflect on the concept of participation from two perspectives. Firstly, it will give evidence and reflections from implementation of processes to involve citizens and consumers in rural service design and planning, reflecting on who participates, what is produced and the impacts for individuals, communities and services.  Secondly, the talk will provide evidence from a project to understand the role of community organisations to build social inclusion.  It will consider how inclusion and wellbeing realises for marginalised participants; and reflect on what happens for individuals, organisations and communities when marginalised participants are facilitated to participate.  The talk will reflect on the concept of participation and its importance.

To secure your place at the 8th Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium register today.