Accessibility & Inclusion

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 if you need to relax or lie down. In addition, there will be a range of fidget toys, disposable ear plugs, and colouring-in available.

There will be contact details for the mental health support staff signposted in the room. The location will be outlined in the conference handbook.

Fidget toys and ear plugs

Disposable earplugs and a range of fidget toys will be available for delegates in the Quiet Room and at the registration desk.

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. 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 letterhead) outlining their role as a support worker and whose attendance to conference they are supporting.

To apply, send these documents to info@themhs.org and we will provide a special discount code to be used to register the support worker.

Please note

• Disability support worker registrations are limited to 1 support worker per day, per delegate.
• A delegate must register and pay their registration before registering their support worker.

Support animals

Guide dogs and registered support/therapy dogs are welcome on-site. Please bring the relevant paperwork with you.

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

Hearing loops

Hearing Loop connections will be available in all the session rooms via a standard connection. If your hearing aids have a telecoil, 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 venue staff or our AV staff for assistance.

A3 large print venue maps

The conference handbook contains a venue map marking key rooms such as the Quiet Room, lifts, accessible bathrooms and more. The handbook is A4 size and may be difficult for some people to read. Based on previous feedback, A3 versions of this conference map will be available at the registration desk.

General assistance

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

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

Other things we do to be accessible and inclusive

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

• Having catering stations of various heights to accommodate wheelchair access.
• Having lounges and seating throughout the exhibition hall and venue.
• Having self-check-in kiosks at various heights to accommodate wheelchair access.
• Providing lift access between venue levels. If the main lifts are not working, delegates will have access to back of house lifts.
• Providing accessible toilets.
• Catering for all dietary requirements (not preferences). Delegates can ask venue staff on site for assistance.
• Offering virtual registrations and concession rates (see below).
• Offering student volunteer opportunities (see below).
• Offering the TheMHS Mates program (see below).

Creativity and relaxation

TheMHS always includes ways for delegates to relax and express their creativity. At TheMHS Conference 2026 there will be exhibitors with a range of fun things for delegates to enjoy, including coffee carts, juice bars and ice cream carts.

TheMHS Mates

Going to conferences can feel overwhelming, especially if you do not know anyone. TheMHS Matesis a program where delegates will be paired together to help make the conference a more welcoming and enriching experience for all. Register your interest via the link on your registration confirmation email. This program is only for conference delegates. Applications close 3 July 2026.

TheMHS will match the TheMHS Mates and begin with an introductory email containing each pair's reciprocal contact details. Then it is up to delegates to connect. We encourage you to connect with your TheMHS Mates before and during the conference.

For more information or to be sent an application form, email info@themhs.org.

Volunteer opportunities

TheMHS supports students who may wish to attend the conference by offering volunteer opportunities. This is a chance for students to complete any course requirements and create valuable connections in the mental health sector.

More information about volunteering in 2026 can be found on the volunteering page on our website.

Concession rates

TheMHS aims to ensure that the conference is accessible to people from all walks of life. We provide concession rates to anyone holding a concession card from any country.For more information, refer to the event terms and conditions.

In addition, we extend concession rates to all 18–25 year-olds to encourage youth participation. Please upload a valid ID showing your age.

If you are 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 who wish to attend TheMHS Conference who identify as either:

• Someone with lived experience; or
• A young clinician (aged 18–25) from Australia or New Zealand; or
• Someone working in the mental health sector in a Pacific Nation (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Bursaries aim to support people who do not have the financial resources to attend the event otherwise. Only a limited number of bursaries are available. TheMHS tries to support as many people as possible, which is why a mixture of bursaries are offered.

Contact

If you have questions, access needs, or suggestions, please contact us at info@themhs.org.