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. 

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 registrations 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. 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.

To apply send these documents to us on 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 first register and pay their registration before registering their support worker.

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

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.

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.

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. TheMHS Mates program -  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 2025 there will be:

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. 

After the success in 2024, we are bringing back “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 can register their interest via the link included on their registration confirmation email.

This program is only for conference delegates and applications close 8 August 2025.

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

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

Volunteer Opportunities

TheMHS aims 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 2025 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.

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

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 who wish to attend The Mental Health Services (TheMHS), who identify as either:

1. Someone with Lived Experience or a young clinician from Australia or New Zealand OR

2. 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. Please note 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.

Bursaries applications for 2025 are now closed, but if you require assistance please email us at info@themhs.org. 


TheMHS Learning Network is a not-for-profit learning network for improving mental health services in Australia and New Zealand

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