Mindframe National Media Initiative
The Australian Government’s Mindframe National Media Initiative (Mindframe) aims to encourage responsible, accurate and sensitive representation of mental illness and suicide in the Australian mass media. The initiative involves building a collaborative relationship with the media and other sectors that influence the media (such as key sources for news stories).
Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing under the National Suicide Prevention Program, the Mindframe Education and Training program is managed by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health. Program activities include national leadership, resource development and national dissemination, and ongoing contribution to the evidence base in this area.
Program Objectives
The Mindframe Education and Training Program has the following objectives:
- To build a collaborative relationship with the Australian news media (print, radio, television, and online news) through the development and dissemination of evidence based resources and sector engagement to enable a more accurate and sensitive portrayal of suicide and mental illness;
- To influence tertiary curriculum so that graduates in journalism and public relations will be aware of and able to respond to issues relating to suicide and mental illness;
- To support sectors that work with the media (such as the mental health sector, the suicide prevention sector and the police) to facilitate better understanding about issues to consider when working with the media around mental illness and suicide;
- To provide practical advice and information to support the work of scriptwriters and others involved in the development of Australian film, television and theatre, to help inform truthful and authentic portrayals of mental illness and suicide.
Target Sectors
- News Media - This includes peak media bodies, media organisations (including print, radio, television and online news across metropolitan and rural areas and including Indigenous and CALD media) and media professionals developing stories about suicide and mental illness;
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Sector - This includes health, mental health, and suicide prevention organisations, services and professional bodies (government and non-government) and individual professionals within those organisations that may have a role in media portrayal of mental illness and suicide;
- Universities - This includes universities (including lecturers and students) that offer relevant programs in journalism and public relations;
- Police - This includes jurisdictions in all states and territories and relevant officers within those sectors that may have a role in media portrayal of suicide and mental illness;
- Australian Film, Television and Theatre - This includes scriptwriters, story departments, filmmakers and other key stakeholders involved in the development of Australian film and television.
For more comprehensive information, visit the program website at www.mindframe-media.info
Contact:
Telephone: Mindframe office (02) 4924 6904
Email: mindframe@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.mindframe-media.info
LinkedIn: Mindframe group on LinkedIn linkd.in/NCUWxf
