Meeting hall
2023 Forum | 12 - 13 May 2023
Friday 12th of May - Afternoon
MAIN HALL
ALCOVE
12.45 – 1.30 PM
REGISTRATION
1:30pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: A Lived Experience Journey – Swimming for Empowerment
In this fireside chat, join in the conversation on how swimming in the Indian Ocean has helped Leigh and hundreds of others in his PodSquad swim in their inner oceans, learn about the mind-body-spirit connection and how you can use these ideas and tools for yourself and loved ones.
Meeting For Minds = SYNERGIES Films
See our approach in action: exploring science and lived experience.
2:00pm
LIVE STREAM: MDMA Research Down Under: What does a decade of persistence look like?
In the past decade, there has been significant growth in clinical trials of MDMA. Most of this research has been funded by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). This presentation describes the obstacles that PRISM Ltd. has overcome, and the support we have received from MAPS and others. In doing so, we hope to create a smoother pathway to MDMA clinical trials for other Australian researchers.
WORKSHOP – What can you do with your Lived Experience? Creative Writing
Creative Writing is a real skill. It’s not something everyone can just do by slamming words down on a page or simply detailing their own personal story.
Neil has used his own personal experience of bipolar disorder to inform plays, books and theatre productions that take the general public deeply into the emotional, social and cognitive experiences of those who live with these conditions.
Neil has been willing to share his skills with others through the use of creative writing and theatre production workshops, with a real emphasis on moving well beyond the narrow recording of personal experiences.
The creative writing workshop will explore the process of creativity and mental illness referencing the writing of the book “Colonel Surry’s Insanity” and exploring characters and the links between creativity and mental illness.
2:30pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Hospital Systems – Current & Future State
Child and forensic psychiatrist Vinesh discusses the significant increase in mental health related presentations to hospitals since COVID with an increasing pressure on health care services. He focuses on what psychosocial support we need in the community to ease that pressure whilst ensuring that our hospitals are well equipped to provide the required support.
3:00pm – 3.30 PM
BREAK
3:30pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: A Lived Experience Journey: Concussion and the Aftermath
Concussion is extremely common, affecting one in five people in their lifetime. Most people will recover from the initial symptoms of concussion, but some will have symptoms that persist for months or years after injury. Hear from Thomas about the impact of concussion for work, school and social life.
The SYNERGIES mission is to establish and promote close collaboration and communication between people with mental illness and researchers studying the brain.
Get a taste of the SYNERGIES program, in round table discussions with researchers Prof Sean Hood and Assoc Prof Elizabeth Scott.
4:00pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Empowering People and Recovery
This presentation will explore the innovative approach of the WA Recovery College, as it works to rebuild lives, foster community and transform systems through education. Taking a human-rights based approach to understanding experiences of distress, the College curriculum is built on the wisdom gained through life-experience and creating opportunities for our students and educators to lead quality lives of meaning and belonging.
4:30pm
LIVESTREAM: Indigenous Mental Health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a higher suicide rate, with suicide being the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 34, highlighting a mental health crisis. Pat will present on works to identify best practice programs and research for Indigenous suicide prevention through an Indigenous ‘lens’. Prioritising culture in mental health programs and services is essential, with a focus on the holistic concept of social and emotional wellbeing.
5:00pm
CLOSE
Saturday 13th of May - Morning
MAIN HALL
ALCOVE
8:30am – 9:00am
REGISTRATION
9:15am
FIRESIDE CHAT
Meeting For Minds = SYNERGIES Films
See our approach in action: exploring science and lived experience.
9:45am
LIVESTREAM: Childhood trajectories to youth-onset and adult mental disorders
Longitudinal studies tell us that about 50% of teenagers with mental health difficulties will have had substantial problems in childhood. Drawing on research on childhood cognitive and emotional development and the underlying science of brain development, Ian discusses the importance of the best possible early start to life, early identification of relevant developmental trajectories and the need to have a strong and consistent approach to early intervention for emerging difficulties.
FIRESIDE CHAT: Equine therapy – An evidence informed approach or just ‘horse magic’?
Equine-assisted therapies are gaining recognition globally for enhancing mental health and wellbeing which has been assisted by the emerging research-evidence based literature. Certified Equine Assisted Learning facilitator, Tanya will provide an overview of equine therapy interventions and their benefits. She will also offer guidance on choosing appropriate and safe equine interventions, with examples of what sessions could look like for individuals or their clients.
10:15am
FIRESIDE CHAT: Cannabinoids in Psychiatry – Evaluating the Promise and Pitfalls for Mental Health Disorders
Cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in cannabis, have been the subject of much research in recent years, and there is growing interest in their potential therapeutic applications for a range of mental health disorders. Brian will provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of using cannabinoids for mental health disorders. He will discuss current research findings, examine the existing literature, and offer perspectives on how cannabinoids can be integrated into the treatment of mental health disorders.
Meeting For Minds = SYNERGIES Films
See our approach in action: exploring science and lived experience.
10.45 – 11.15am
BREAK
11:15am
FIRESIDE CHAT: The Benefits of Creative Arts Therapy
Anna and Brodien Caporn are part of the Children and Caregivers team at Holyoake, where they work in the Attachment Art and Play, Young People’s and Caregivers programs. Please join them for an experiential and engaging fireside chat about the benefits of adopting Creative Arts Therapy approaches to therapeutic engagements with individuals and families.
WORKSHOP: Eating with Intent
Journeying well beyond a new diet, Kerryn applies evidence-based information from health sciences, psychology, nutrition and meditation to help develop – and sustain – new and empowering approaches to eating and taking care of our bodies.
This workshop is an opportunity to discover what nourishes you. You’ll learn some of the most powerful tools and techniques I use to create a trusting and healthy relationship with food. In a fun, welcoming, and collaborative learning environment you can expect to challenge some of your misconceptions about food and eating; learn habits and techniques to support you in creating the joyful and easy relationship with food and eating that you desire and deserve; and deep-dive into your food story and walk away with a greater appreciation, love, and respect for you and your body’s wisdom.
11:45am
LIVESTREAM: BREAKING DOWN THE SILOS – GLAD Study – PharmacoGenetics Linked to Antidepressants
The GLAD Project (PharmacoGenetics Linked to AntiDepressants) is an example of where cross-pollination from one research discipline, as well as PLEX, has inspired research that improves treatments for mental illness. The collaboration between Anthony, a pharmacogeneticist and expert in neurodegenerative diseases, and Prof Sean Hood, a renowned psychiatrist with a passion for brain research has led to national and international clinical trials. Anthony, will discuss the transfer of his research into the discipline of psychiatry as well as his latest project on Pharmacogenetics and Personalised Medicine for Better Outcomes. Sean will present on how the process of flipped research has valued the expertise of PLEX Research Partners to influence the research study.
12.45 – 1.30 PM
BREAK
Saturday 13th of May - Afternoon
MAIN HALL
ALCOVE
1:30pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Exercise Therapy & Mental Health
Human movement has always conjured a connection between mind and body that feeds and elevates the soul, with the power to reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Katie explores the biochemical and physiological connections and how movement is in fact a medicine for the mind and body, supported by decades of research and advances in the field of exercise physiology and epidemiology.
Meeting For Minds = SYNERGIES Films
See our approach in action: exploring science and lived experience.
2:00pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: The Science of Mindfulness
The benefits of mindfulness are widely recognised helping us cope with stress, manage symptoms of depression, set goals, and find meaning and fulfilment in life. These claims are backed up by research studies and Paisley will explore the science behind how mindfulness can improve both our psychological and physiological wellbeing.
2:30pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Brain & Behavioural Science – Student Perspectives
Olivia McLaren, Alyssa will be discussing what motivated them to pursue psychology, what the degree is like and how they want to help further improve psychological research and practice in the future.
3:00pm – 3.30 PM
BREAK
3:30pm
WORKSHOP: Body Percussion
Experienced in facilitating rhythm-based drum circles, workshops and events that bring together community groups, Martin will present the health and therapeutic benefits of drumming together and run a body percussion experience.
Meeting For Minds = SYNERGIES Films
See our approach in action: exploring science and lived experience.
4:00pm
LIVESTREAM: MAIN BRAINSTORM Brainstorming the Future
4:00pm
LIVESTREAM: MAIN BRAINSTORM Brainstorming the Future
5:00pm
CLOSE
5:30pm
A long-time supporter of Meeting for Minds, Norman has said that, “The stigma attached to mental illness is the greatest obstacle to the improvement of the lives of people with mental illness”.
Norman is a highly influential German-Croatian psychiatrist, former Director of Mental Health at the World Health Organisation, and President of the World and European Psychiatric Associations. His work focuses on the epidemiology of mental disorders, especially those experienced by individuals with schizophrenia and depression, and combats stigma against those with lived experience. He has published over 400 scientific papers and has been cited over 35,000 times.
Join Norman for an interactive Q&A drawing on his views of the current status of psychiatry and mental health care-achievements and failures so far.
You’re invited to a private screening of PIECES by Western Australian director Martin Wilson. The film was nominated
PIECES is an authentic, heartfelt drama about the healing power of care, compassion, and love. The film aims to demystify mental illness, to start a conversation that debunks the misconceptions and negative stereotypes that complicate and amplify the stigma, discrimination, and isolation experienced by people afflicted with a mental health illness.