OT Mental Health Forum 2022: Wrap-up and next steps

The OT Mental Health Forum was held on 25 November 2022 at the Sydney Masonic Centre and online. More than 400 delegates came together and shared ideas, practices and challenges with their OT colleagues. Samantha Hunter (CEO) and Carol McKinstry (President) welcomed attendees to the event and launched OTA’s Mental Health Strategy, with Priscilla Ennals, Mary O’Hagan and Gail Whiteford delivering keynote speeches.

The packed program featured presentations across areas including sensory interventions, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches, education and professional development, forensic occupational therapy and more.

Mental Health Strategy

Launched at the Mental Health Forum, our Mental Health Strategy will see OTA deliver a range of actions over two stages, focused on these key areas:

• Workforce – Improved training to support the mental health OT workforce, and sustainable career pathways for occupational therapists working in this sector to support development and avoid burn-out

• Awareness – Building awareness of occupational therapist mental health capability across health services, funding bodies, and consumers

• Advocacy – Engaging with government and sector stakeholders to advocate on the value of mental health occupational therapy services

Visit otaus.com.au/media-and-advocacy/current-issues/mental-health to download the strategy document.

Thank you to our Mental Health Forum Premium Sponsors, Allied OT and Healtharium