TheMHS Conference 2024

Accessibility & Inclusion

TheMHS is dedicated to ensuring TheMHS conference is accessible and inclusive for all. Outlined below are the ways we do this and if you have any further suggestions we encourage you to contact us at info@themhs.org

Quiet Room

This is a dedicated space that people can go to if they feel the need for quiet at any time during the conference. The Quiet room will have futons and bean bags so if people need to relax or lie down they can. In addition there will be a range of fidget toys, disposable ear plugs and colouring in available. There will be direct contact details for the mental health support staff signposted in the room.

The location will be outlined in the conference handbook.

This room is brought to you by the Silver Sponsor: Mental Health First Aid

Calming Sensory Room

Is a dark enclosed space, that is artfully created to soothe and stimulate the senses for a therapeutic benefit.

The location will be outlined in the conference handbook.
This room is brought to you by the Wellness Partner: Creative Sensory Spaces

Fidget Toys and Ear Plugs

Disposable earplugs and a range of fidget toys will be available for delegates in the quiet room, registrations desk and at TheMHS booth in the exhibition hall.

Support Workers On Site

Each day of the conference there will be a clinician and peer worker on-call. They can be accessed by calling a dedicated number or by asking staff at the registration desk.

The phone number will be available in the conference handbook and on signs placed around the venue.

Personal Support Workers

TheMHS acknowledges that some delegates may need the assistance of a support worker to attend the conference. Therefore delegates can apply to bring their support worker at no extra cost. Delegates will need to supply:

receipt of the delegate's paid registration and
a letter from the employer of the support worker (on company letter head) outlining their role as a support worker and whose attendance to conference they are supporting.

For the application form please email us on info@themhs.org.

Support Animals

Guide dogs and registered support/therapy dogs are welcome onsite. Please ensure to bring with you the relevant paperwork.

TheMHS asks that you inform us prior to the event so that we can notify the venue. Please email us on info@themhs.org

Hearing Loops

Hearing Loop connections will be available in all the sessions rooms via a standard connection. If your hearing aids have a telecoil, just switch your hearing aid to 'T,' either via the switch on your aid, or through a 'T' program accessible via a program button or remote control. If you have any issues connecting, please ask NCCC venue staff for assistance.

A3 Large Print Venue Maps

In the conference handbook there is a venue map that has key rooms marked such as the quiet room, lifts, accessible bathrooms and more. The handbook is A4 size and could be difficult for some people to read. Based on previous feedback, A3 versions of this conference map will be available at the registration desk for those who may need a larger print.

Indigenous Networking Hub

New for 2024, is the Indigenous Networking Hub for First Nations, Māori and Pasifika. This is a space for them to relax, connect and recharge during the conference.

The location will be outlined in the conference handbook.

This room is brought to you by the Principle Sponsor: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

General Assistance

TheMHS staff and volunteers are around throughout the conference to provide assistance to delegates such as opening doors which are not automatic, directional guidance and more.

In 2024, TheMHS staff will be wearing bright green lanyards and volunteers will have bright pink “Ask Me Badges”.

Other things we do to be Accessible & Inclusive

TheMHS aims to work with the venues to make the site more accessible by:

1. Having catering stations of various heights to accommodate wheelchair access

2. Have lounges and seating throughout the exhibition hall and venue

3. Have self-check in kiosks at various heights to accommodate wheelchair access

4. There is lift access between the levels of the venue. If the main lifts are not working delegates will have access to the back of house lifts.

5. The venue has accessible toilets

6. The venue will cater for all dietary requirements (not preferences). Delegates can ask venue staff on site for assistance.

7. Virtual registrations and concession rates are offered - more details below

8. There are opportunities for students to volunteer at conference - more details below

9. Bursary program to support people with lived experience - more details below

9. TheMHS Mates program - new from 2024 with more details below

Creativity and Relaxation

TheMHS always tries to include in its program and exhibition ways for delegates to relax and express their creativity. At TheMHS Conference 2024 there is

TheMHS Booth – delegates will have an opportunity to take photo at TheMHS photo wall and participate in a group art work.
Exhibitors will have a range of fun things for delegates to enjoy including massage chairs, coffee carts, juice bars and ice cream carts.
We encourage delegates to get moving with Running for Resilience or the Man Walk
In the Consumer and Carer Forum there will be “5 ways to Wellbeing” session to participate in through the course of the day
Musical performances from artists with lived experience
The Creative Connections stream in the Ballroom aims to promote alternative ways of learning, delegates can enjoy:

- A Meditation Workshop
- Graphic Facilitation
- During Thursday lunch time Media Award Winners Video streaming
- Wisdom Sessions

TheMHS Mates

For many going to conferences, it can feel overwhelming especially if you do not know anyone. TheMHS has been around for 34 years and we love to see our family grow with new people attending each year, but we also want to ensure it is a welcoming and enriching experience for all. Therefore, based on delegate feedback last year, we are introducing “TheMHS Mates”. People can select if they :

- Need a Mate = A Newbie to TheMHS

- Are happy to be a Mate = Have been to TheMHS previously, aka a Mate

Delegates will be sent an email to register their interest. TheMHS will then match Newbies to a Mate. We will follow up with an introductory email containing each pair's reciprocal contact details, and then it is up to delegates to connect. We encourage you to connect with your Mates before and during the conference.

This program is only for conference delegates and in 2024 application close 11 August. For more information or to be sent an application form email us at info@themhs.org

Volunteer Opportunities

TheMHS aim to support students to attend by offering volunteer opportunities for them to attend TheMHS conference. This is an incredible opportunity for students to complete any course requirements and create valuable connections in the industry.

More information about Volunteer Opportunities in 2024 can be found here.

Concession Rates

TheMHS wants to ensure that the conference is accessible to people who may not have a lot of income to spare and therefore provides concession rates to a range of AU and NZ card holders. For more information, visit our website.

If you are someone experiencing financial difficulties but do not have a concession card, you can write to us via info@themhs.org

Bursaries

TheMHS Bursaries are offered to people with lived experience who wish to attend The Mental Health Services (TheMHS) Conference. Each year a limited number of bursaries are available. TheMHS tries to support as many people with lived experience as possible which is why a mixture of bursaries are offered.

Bursaries are made possible through the support of our Bursaries Sponsors.

Thank you to our Wellness Partner for their support