Social media is here - it's a big challenge, but it's a bigger opportunity.
Social media is here and – whether we accept it or not – it is a part of our world. Australians are one of the biggest users of social media with over 10 million users of Facebook and YouTube alone. This brings with it many possibilities for changing the way we can offer support to those with mental illness.
It also brings with it much publicised challenges. We believe it is critical that services get their heads around the way e-health and new technologies are being incorporated into supporting good mental health.
There is a danger that we may see an increased sense of isolation for people with mental health concerns because they may not be able to keep up with the internet and social media explosion, adding digital exclusion to the other barriers they also struggle with.
2011 Unconference attendee Dan Donahoo writes about his own social media anxiety in the Huffington Post.
Unconference 2012
Unconference 2011 - An Award-Winning Day
Unconference 2011, was attended by over 100 enthusiastic people who came along to discuss along to discuss the role of technology in our mental health and the implications for service delivery.
Given this was the first unconference many had attended, we were delighted when the hands shot up so quickly as we set thte agenda for the morning. So many willing speakers and such enthusiasm…it blew us away.
We had hoped it would be like this, but to actually see all our hopes and expectations fulfilled was incredible. The amazing spirit of the day was recognised with a Special Judges Award in The Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Service 2011 Achievement awards.
What’s an Unconference?
Don't stress if you haven't attended one before, last year's Unconference was the first time for many attendees and they had a ball!
An unconference is a term used to describe an unconventional meeting of minds focused on a central theme that facilitates interaction and collaboration.
Less structured, less formal, more friendly, more creative, Unconferences encourage participation, sharing of knowledge and free-thinking.
And 