Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs to join the community and sector at the 2019 Australian & New Zealand Addiction Conference

Everymind Suicide Prevention project staff, Brydie Jameson and Clare Jones will be at the Gold Coast this week, presenting and hosting a trade table and display at the 5th Australian & New Zealand Addiction Conference on the Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs project.

The conference is an initiative of the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association Inc. and encourages participation from all parts of the sector and a variety of population groups from professionals, peer support workers and families.

With the aim to broaden the understanding of a range of addictions, comorbidity, mental health and wellbeing, harm reduction and pain management, the conference will also look at evidence-based research, programs and models with a focus on prevention, treatment and recovery.

Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs recognises the importance of a whole of sector approach to reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking behaviour related to both alcohol and other drug use and mental health.

Rebecca Lang CEO of QLD Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies and Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Group member will also be presenting at the upcoming conference.

“The Mindframe for Alcohol and other Drugs guidelines are a great resource for people who want to improve the tone of the conversation around people who use alcohol and other drugs. It reminds us to see the person first and see drug use as just one aspect of their lives,” said Ms Lang.

Everymind Project Lead, Sara Bartlett is delighted that Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs is to be showcased at annual conference, following the recent Mindframe Alcohol and Other Drugs guidelines launch in Melbourne.

“As part of our involvement in the conference, we are looking forward to sharing the Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs guidelines and project work we are doing in this space with attendees and presenters, said Sara.

“The Mindframe Alcohol and Other Drugs guidelines aim to positively influence the quality of media reporting on AOD-related issues, while improving community attitudes towards people living with issues related to AOD use.”

Event details:

Date: Monday, 13-15 May 2019

Topic:

Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs project staff, Clare Jones and Brydie Jameson will lead the Everymind presentation and trade table highlighting the utilisation of guidelines for communicating about alcohol and other drugs.

Key learnings from the presentation include:

• Understand the importance and impact of communications on alcohol and other drugs.
• Understand that application of the Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs guidelines, and how they work to minimise harm, stigma and discrimination related to alcohol and other drug use, and increase help-seeking behaviour.
• Understand how media, communications professionals and other stakeholders can contribute to reducing stigma related to alcohol and other drugs.