Since the first awards were presented in 1992, TheMHS Awards have been recognising best practice, excellence and innovation in mental health service delivery across Australia and New Zealand.
In 2015, with the introduction of our 4 newest awards, we are seeking to bring to light the fantastic work of Researchers in Mental Health.
Mental health research is essential to the development of effective and informed strategies to improve the lives of those living with mental health problems. As we develop new programs and services, research plays an integral role of building and commenting on successful techniques in working towards recovery.
TheMHS Awards have always closely followed the expansion of the sector, and new awards have been added as new and diverse services and programs emerged. The high quality and enthusiasm of past award winners speaks strongly of the progress Australia and New Zealand continue to make in the mental health sector.
In 2014, the Tom Trauer Award for Research and Evaluation was launched with tremendous success.
The judges were impressed with the quality of the submissions, but two entrants stood out.
Joint winner awards were presented to the Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Research Network (CMHDARN) and to Mr Bradley Foxlewin for his consumer led research study – “What is happening to Seclusion Review that makes a difference?”
The award celebrates Tom’s substantial and generous contributions to mental health services research over many years. The award has been inaugurated by TheMHS in order to encourage and recognise excellence in mental health services and programs research.
Our newest awards, the Early Career Research Awards in Mental Health seek to reward the fantastic work that young researchers are doing and to encourage future research as we continue to improve mental health services in Australia and New Zealand. Launching in 2015, TheMHS will be recognising the great work that researchers are doing by awarding TheMHS Awards for Early Career Research in Mental Health (ECR Awards) in the following 3 categories:
- Innovation, awarded for investigation concerning a novel or very recent development related to Mental Health service delivery in Australia or New Zealand
- Best Practice, awarded for Best Practice is awarded for investigation into Best Practices Mental Health in Australia and/or New Zealand.
- and Excellence, awarded for Research investigations that will lead to better mental health and do not readily fit into the above 2 categories targeting service provision.
Mental Health Researchers and Evaluators are doing important work in the sector and we think that is something to be valued and recognised. Winners will present their award winning research at a special symposium at the 2015 TheMHS Conference 25th – 28th August 2015 in Canberra.
Closing date for applications is 15th April 2015.
