We’re pleased to welcome Dr Stephanie Kershaw to TheMHS Board. We are excited for the support and insights she brings to the Board and the sector.
We also asked Steph to share her reflections on her time with TheMHS so far.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Steph Kershaw is a Senior Research Fellow at The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. Steph leads an innovative program of research and translation to reduce the impact of substance use and co-occurring conditions including mental health and suicidality. Her research aims to improve the health outcomes for individuals, families and communities especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Steph is also the Program Lead in Stigma and Substance Use, and is passionate about addressing the stigma associated with mental health and/or substance use.
What has inspired you to be involved with TheMHS, and what keeps you passionate about our mission?
TheMHS has a strong focus on collaboration, inclusivity and innovation which aligns with my own research and personal values. I’m passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental health and substance use, and how to improve the health outcomes particularly for those who are often overlooked, or struggle to access services. Without organisations like TheMHS, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people, be challenged to think in new ways, and develop friendships and collaborations with people from across the sector.
How have you seen TheMHS grow or evolve during your time, and what changes excite you most for the future?
I’ve been attending TheMHS conferences since 2018, and it’s been a privilege to become even more involved over the last few years to help develop the program and sessions. I love how TheMHS conference now has dedicated sensory spaces and the new improbable ideas sessions are always a highlight! I’m particularly excited about this years Gala Dinner – but maybe I’m biased as the QVB is one of my favourite buildings in Sydney.
What’s one memorable moment from your time with TheMHS?
TheMHS was the first conference I attended that actually included lived experience stories. Since then, the field has grown and there is a lot more appreciation for inclusion and embedding lived experience in research and practice. However, I’ll always remember that TheMHS was the first place to really highlight the importance of lived experience and provide inspiration that meaningfully including people with living/lived experience is possible.
Are there any tools, models, or practices you’re currently exploring that excite you?
I’m currently investigating the role of art-based methods (drawing, painting, storytelling) in reducing stigma and improving well-being among young people experiencing mental ill-health. There is a lot of promising research out there about how art can promote wellbeing, increase peoples sense of agency and autonomy, and facilitate social inclusion. So I’m really excited to work with young people and explore this idea in the hope that it helps reduce mental health stigma. This also builds on some recent work that my team did, where we collaborated with First Nations communities and a creative agency to develop lived experience videos to reduce the stigma associated with methamphetamine.
