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May 2023 - eBulletin - Issue 66 
 

May 2023 eBulletin
News
May is BPD Awareness Month (USA)
Brain Biology & BPD webinar
BPD or cPTSD? 
PD diagnosis controversy
Family Connections leader training
ISSPD Congress keynote speakers
Translated PD factsheets
NDIS mental health toolkit
RightByYou online youth resource
The Peacock Centre
BPD Awareness Week fundraiser
Volunteer request - InDesign Skills
Helplines & COVID-19 Information

Get Involved
Study - Co-parenting and BPD
Consultation - ACT Mental Health Act
Study - PD Screening Measures
Advocate - We Still Need Your Voice!
Fundraiser - BPD Bandanna
Regular Sections
Consumers / Lived Experience
Carers / Supporters
Clinicians
Conferences 
Training
Helplines
Donate, Submissions, Subscribe
Contact

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BPD awareness across cultures
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News

May is BPD Awareness Month (USA, Canada and UK)
BPD Awareness MonthIn the U.S., Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month is observed in May as declared by the U.S. House of Representatives. The National Today website explains it is 'dedicated to spreading awareness, encouraging people to not hesitate in getting help, and ending the stigma that surrounds BPD. Before 1980, BPD was not officially diagnosable, and then it was added into the 3rd edition of Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders.' Previously considered 'untreatable' we now know of a range of evidence-based therapies to be very effective. Read more 

Brain Biology & BPD Webinar - 3 May Registrations close soon!
Dr Anthony RuoccoDr. Anthony Ruocco will present his research on brain circuits involved in emotion regulation, impulse control and social perceptions, and will also include more recent discoveries on family members of people with lived experience of BPD. This event is being held to show our support of BPD Awareness Month in the USA, Canada and UK during May. In Australia we celebrate BPD Awareness Week during the first week of October. Flyer and Registrations

BPD or cPTSD? Navigating Diagnostic & Treatment Challenges
Spectrum conferenceAccess the 7-hr recording of Spectrum's Annual Conference held in October last year featuring national and international experts in the fields of BPD and complex trauma. Details

Why can a diagnosis of a Personality Disorder be controversial? 
Mind UK logoOur understanding of mental health conditions is constantly evolving, as is as the language we use when talking about them. A diagnosis of 'personality disorder' or 'complex trauma' can be controversial as some people disagree about how to categorise and understand personality disorders, discount the social context or are concerned about the stigma attached to labels. Mind (UK) explore these concepts to assist us in understanding the voices on all sides of this debate. Read more

Family Connections Leader Training - Online!
Family Connections logoThe Leader Training is for family members/carers (who have completed the program), and mental health professionals to facilitate the NEABPD Australia Family Connections program. It is only for people who intend to facilitate a group as a volunteer leader soon after completing the training. Flyer and Dates and Register 
Online - July 29, 30, 31 9:30am-4:14pm (AEDT)

ISSPD Congress - Sydney 1-3 Nov Keynote speakers announced!
ISSPD Congress 2023Speakers presenting at the 'Collaboration for a Global Future' International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD) Congress will be A/Prof Shannon Sauer-Zavala (UK), Ase-Line Baltzersen (Norway), Prof Carla Sharp (USA), Prof Joost Hutsebaut (Netherlands) and Prof Ian Hickie (Aust). Early bird prices close 5th July. Details and Register

Translated fact sheets - What is a personality disorder?
What is BPD fact sheetThis brochure from Embrace Multicultural Mental Health explains personality disorders, the main types, possible causes, treatment options, and where to go for help. It has been translated into 28 different languages. Download



NDIS Self-advocacy Learning Hub New Toolkit!
NDIS Learning HubThe NDIS Learning Hub contains resources to help people with experiences of mental health issues advocate for what they want under the NDIS. Resources include workbooks, eLearning modules, and a new Mental Health Toolkit. To access the full range of tools in the Learning Hub please register 

RightByYou - online mental health resource for young people Launched!
RightByYou logoNeami National's youth peer-to-peer suicide prevention website has been designed by and for young people. It provides instantly accessible information to empower young people to safely engage and support a friend who is showing suicidal signs online. More details

The Peacock Centre - Hobart, Tasmania Opened!  
Image:X-squared ArchitectsThe newly restored Peacock Centre was officially opened in March this year. It is an alternative to the Royal Hobart Hospital's often-overburdened emergency department for those in mental distress. The centre includes a Mental Health Integration Hub (short-term practical information), Safe Haven and Recovery College. No formal referral is required. More details

BPD Awareness Week 2023 Fundraiser
Give Now logoThe Australian BPD Foundation is planning this year's Australian BPD Awareness Week campaign (1-7 October). We are seeking donations to develop new resources to deepen understanding of this often stigmatised complex mental health condition. See previous campaigns at http://www.bpdawareness.com.au
Donations welcome here https://www.givenow.com.au/ozbpd

Volunteer request - InDesign Skills?
InDesignDo you have skills in graphic design and have Adobe InDesign & Illustrator software? The Foundation is inviting our community to send in an Expression of Interest to assist us in preparing our online or printed promotional materials. Email
 

Helplines & COVID-19 Information
See more information at the bottom of this eBulletin
Membership is FREE for individuals - click here to JOIN now!
Australian BPD Foundation logoThe Australian BPD Foundation is group of volunteer consumers, carers & clinicians passionate about encouraging a positive culture around borderline personality disorder (BPD) and promoting the ready availability and accessibility of appropriate services for everyone impacted by BPD.

Donations over $2 are tax deductible (DGR status)
P.O Box 942, Bayswater, Vic 3153
0458 469 274
admin@bpdfoundation.org.au
Support the Foundation - click here to DONATE now!
Facebook Facebook
Twitter - OzBPD Twitter - OzBPD
Website Website
YouTube YouTube

Get Involved

Survey - Youth Self-Harm Behaviours
Black Dog Institute logoThe Black Dog Institute is inviting parents and carers who have a child (aged 5 to 18 years) who has self-harmed in the past 12-months to participate in an online survey and optional interview to assist in better understanding how self-harm behaviours begin to emerge in children and adolescents and help inform priority actions needed to prevent and protect against self-harm onset. Survey

Survey - Sydney BPD professionals network re-launched!
MHPN logoThe Sydney Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) BPD Network has a new coordinator onboard: Adam Horvath. Planning is underway for the first meeting after a three-year-long hiatus and he wants to align the meetings to suit your needs and preferences. Please complete this 3 minute survey
 

Study - Co-parenting with a person with BPD
oAre you currently sharing the parenting role with someone who lives with BPD? This University of Adelaide study is exploring general experiences including challenges, support needs and preferences, including suggestions for optimising the wellbeing of parents co-parenting children aged 0-5yrs with a person who has a diagnosis of BPD. Flyer, Details and Complete Survey

Study - Evaluation of Relational Peer Work
Orygen logoThis Orygen study aims to test whether relational peer work is safe, practical, and helpful for young people who experience BPD. Relational peer work is a treatment that involves sessions with a trained peer worker who has lived experience of having/recovering from mental health challenges. Suitable for people 12-25 who are clients of selected Victorian headspace centres. Complete Survey

Advocate - We Still Need Your Voice
We need your voicePlease help make Australia’s political leaders sit up and really take notice of the challenges and opportunities facing people with BPD and their families.  We know that every individual contact by people living in their electorate is powerful. 
With our new Federal Parliament now elected, we are now asking you to please email your newly (re-)elected federal MP and Senators, as well as your State MPs, to ask them to take our ‘National Consensus Statement: By, With and for People Impacted by BPD’ forward on your behalf asking them to advocate for a national approach. Find State and Federal email templates here in case helpful.


Fundraiser - BPD Bandanna 
Dolly in BPD bandannaBillie is helping raise awareness of BPD and funds for the Australian BPD Foundation with these gorgeous Bandannas. They cost $15, $20 for 2, or add $10 for each additional bandanna - postage included! Send in your pics of you or your pets wearing their bandanna! Order bandanna 

For Consumers / Lived Experience
Resources - Australia Wide

My Life with BPD
Geeky FanboyJohn (aka 'The Geeky Fanboy') shares a little about what it is like for him to experience BPD. He explains each of the BPD criteria, busts a few myths, and encourages people to seek support, and also talk about BPD to address stigma. This video was prepared for BPD Awareness Month in the UK.
Content Warning: This video discusses BPD, depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm and general emotional distress. (1:20hr) View video

Aretha Brown and BPD 
Aretha BrownAretha is an Australian artist, activist, and a former Prime Minister of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament. She explains 'getting my BPD diagnosis was somewhat of a relief, because now I had the language to be able to describe how I was feeling for the first time'. 'I think if people took the time to really try and understand people with BPD or any kind of personality disorder and how they grew up, what has affected them, their trauma (which is never their fault), and really listened with a willingness to understand, BPD and other mental illness would not be as stigmatised.' 'I'm learning to reclaim my status as a sensitive little soul and pour that into the art I create, which hopefully will help others feel understood without judgment.' Content Warning: This article discusses mental health issues and violence towards Indigenous people, and could be distressing for some readers. Read more 
Image: By Pandaboy2sssss627 

Fact Sheet - BPD in New Zealand
BPD FlyerThe Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand have a range of fact sheets and flyers with up-to-date information on BPD, symptoms, diagnosis, therapy options and coping strategies. Read more and download flyer

Webinar - Leading Through Lived Experience 
Join Laurie and Sara the hosts of the Bold Beautiful Borderline podcast in this webinar hosted by Sashbear (Canada) as they share their experience in leading, creating safe spaces, and making change through their lived experiences. Register
May 11 - 9:00am (AEST)

Personal care plan
My care planA care plan is something we create when we are not in crisis (when we have better access to our full range of thinking). It can be a useful tool for working through, or even averting, future crises. Research has shown that having a crisis plan is one of the most effective general therapeutic strategies for people with BPD. Download

Mental Health Peer Work - Cert IV (online)
MHCC logoThis qualification provides an opportunity to develop your skills and receive a recognised qualification to advance your career in a mental health peer role. Starts 20 June 2023 (funded places available for eligible participants in NSW. Details


Alternatives to Suicide - Alt2Su
Yellow suicide ribbonAlt2Su meetings use a peer-based approach to supporting people who have made suicidal attempts or who have experienced suicidal thoughts. Peer-to-peer mutual support groups provide a space for voicing, sitting  with, understanding and moving through suicidal thoughts. More details
Australia-wide Alt2Su (scroll half-way down page)
SA - LELAN Alt2Su
NSW - Alternatives to Suicide
NSW - Off The Wall (online)
QLD - Brookred
WA - Connect Group

Beyond Blue Forums
Beyond blue logoBeyond Blue have a range of Forums - Staying Well, Relationship and family issues, PTSD & Trauma, Suicidal thoughts and self-harm (not BPD specific) Read more

SANE Special Events 
Topic TuesdayNext topic - To be confirmed
Tues - 5:30-7:00pm AEST
Online, usually 4th Tues each month
Read transcripts of previous Topic Tuesdays
2023 Apr 18 Music is Medicine
2022 Sept 26 'See the Person' BPD Awareness Week

SANE Peer Group Chat
Why Be 'Normal?' Thurs 4 May 7:00-8:30pm AEST
Add a question for discussion in the next Peer Group Chat
SANE Guided Service
SANE Guided Service (free digital/telehealth support)
SANE Lived Experience Forum
Safe, anonymous online discussion for people living with mental illness, moderated 24/7 by mental health professionals. Forums are text based - no software needed! Check out their Guides
 

Please contact organisations directly to confirm their COVID-19 responses to meeting schedules.

ACT
DBT Skills Group Program 2023
These 10 wk psychoeducational skills groups cover mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance & interpersonal effectiveness. (not a complete therapeutic treatment). Contact Natalie 0415 111 894 or email 
Online OR Belconnen, Canberra.

Safe Haven Café
Belconnen - (Stride) 0421 154 147 Details

AGA Intersex Support Group
A Gender + Agenda is a safe space for intersex folks to meet, trainings, support groups, etc. (Not a crisis service, or BPD specific)
Turner - Details

NSW
Safe Haven Cafes
Ambarvale - 80 Woodhouse Drive. Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 2-9pm Details
Broken Hill - (Mission Australia) Details 08 8084 3700
Kogarah - (SESLHD) Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun 5-9pm Details
Summer Hill - (Roses in the Ocean) Fri, Sat night Details
Wollongong - (Stride) 2pm-10pm Wed-Sat 0401 561 164 Details & Email

NT
NT Lived Experience Network
The NT Lived Experience Network have compiled a Service Navigation Resource to help Territorians navigate the NT mental health and related service system. Download

Mental Illness Fellowship - NT
MiPlace Drop in Centre for training and education. (Not BPD specific) Details
Darwin (08) 8948 1051 or admin@mifant.org.au
Alice Springs (08) 8953 1467 or alice@mifant.org.au 
Tennant Creek (08) 8962 1931 tennant@mifant.org.au

TEMHCO - Top End Mental Health
Activities in Palmerston and rural areas. Details 

MHACA Mental Health Association of Central Australia
MHACA provide a range of psychosocial supports to people living in central Australia. Includes a drop-in centre, groups (Men's Yarning Circle),1-1 support and care coordination for people with complex needs. (Not BPD specific). More details.
Alice Springs (08) 8950 4600 info@mhaca.org.au  

QLD
Living and Learning Centre
Coaching and wellbeing support for people living in North Brisbane and Pine Rivers areas experiencing mental health concerns. DBT groups or Details
Strathpine

Head to Health Drop in Centre (07) 4766 8444
Caring, friendly and helpful mental health and wellbeing support in a calm, safe, and welcoming environment at 32 Walker St Townsville. Details

BrookRED
BrookRED is an inclusive peer run community in Brisbane with four centres. Services include DBT groups, Alt2Su groups, and other supports for suicidal distress, warm phone referral line, counselling and more. Contact (07) 3343 9282 or enquiries@brookred.org.au  Details

Youth Empowered Towards Independence (YETI)
YETI supports young people (12-25) who live in Far North Queensland from our safe, free and friendly space in Cairns. (Not BPD specific) Details

Safe Spaces
Chermside - Located next to Prince Charles Hospital ED near Common Good Café, Mon-Thur 2-8pm, Fri 5-8pm. Details
Strathpine - 32 Gympie Rd, M-F 5-9pm,Sat & Sun 3-7pm. Details
Penrith - Head to Health, M-F 1pm- 9:30pm, Tue 1-5pm. Details

SA
BPD Co - Coming up for AIR 
BPD Co logoFree 4-week parenting program for parents (18+) living with BPD currently parenting a child (0-5yrs). Contact BPD Co on (08) 7425 6500 or email
Plympton & Enfield - Details

BPD Co - Lived Experience Group Programs
BPD Co GroupsClinical group - 'Road Maps' (10-12 wks) builds agency and coping skills.
Peer Group is a hands-on creative recovery group co-facilitated by a person with lived experience and a clinician. Contact (08) 7425 6500,  email or view flyer for more details. 

NEW! Lived experience single sessions. 
  • Info about BPD for men – May 2 @ 6:30pm (ACST) online Register
  • Creative Peer Space – May 5 @ 3pm (ACST) in Unley Flyer & Register
  • Self-help Book Club - May 17 @ 6:30pm (ACST) online Register
  • Webinar: The Vagus nerve & self-compassion - May 23 @ 3:00pm (ACST) online Register
LELAN Lived Experience Reflection Network
LELAN is the SA independent peak body for people with lived experience of mental distress, social issues or injustice, and offer training to people with lived experience interested in advocating for change.
Online Learning Modules Details
Workshops & Events Details

MI-DBT (Perinatal program)
Adapted from DBT, this group therapy program is for women living with BPD during the child's first years to support parenting skills early in the infant’s development. Details
Glenside - Helen Mayo House 

Lived Experience Telephone Support Service -  1800 013 755
LETSS provides info about mental health topics, navigation of the SA mental health system, and real time support when you need it. Phone service and online chat available every day 5pm-11:30pm.

Safe Haven/MH After-hours Walk-in Centres
Adelaide - Urgent Mental Health Care Centre - 24/7 Details 
Edinburgh - Sonder  - Mon-Fri, 5-9pm Ph (08) 8209 0711 Details
Noarlunga - GP Plus Super Clinic - M-F 9-10pm  Ph 1300 093 720 Details
Salisbury - Sonder - Tues-Fri 5-9pm Details NEW!

TAS
The Safe Place Mobile Café
East Coast (mobile van) Details and Facebook

Head to Health - Walk in Mental Health Service
Launceston Details

VIC
Psychoeducation Session for Individuals recently diagnosed with BPD
This online info session by Spectrum is for people who have recently accessed mental health services in Victoria, Aust. Session will include overview of BPD, myths, therapies, factors that support wellbeing and a Q&A.
Online - May 26 Register

Discovery College
A place where people come together, learn, share experiences and reach new understanding of mental health. Courses are co-produced and co-facilitated. (Not BPD specific) Details

WA
Lifeline WA - DBTeen Program
The DBTeen Program is a 12-wk DBT based skills groups for young people, run in the Northern, North Eastern, South Eastern, Central and Southern suburbs. Referrals (08) 9261 4402 Details

Safe Haven Cafés
Royal Perth Hospital -  Fri-Sun - 3:00pm-7:45pm Details
Kununurra District Hospital - Wed-Sat 4:30pm-10:00pm Details

Helpline - Peer Pathways - (08) 9447 2809
WA statewide helpline for people with mental health challenges to find the supports and services. Peer Navigators are trained clinicians. (Not BPD specific)
Phone - 9am-5pm M-F (AWST) Details

WA Recovery College 
WARCA courses offer opportunities to gain understanding of self and meaning through positive experiences. (Not BPD specific) Details

CoMHWA
Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA) provides education, peer support and systemic advocacy for people with lived experience of mental health issues. (not BPD specific) Details or phone (08) 9258 8911

MIFWA
MIFWA's Recovery program is for people with lived experience of mental illness who are interested in taking steps toward recovery. (Not BPD specific) Details

WA Peer Supporters’ Network (WAPSN)
Free education and group supervision to build skills, sustain and thrive in your peer support role. (Not BPD specific) Ph (08) 9258 8911 or email or view Events

New Zealand
Info Hub - Mental Health Foundation of NZ 
A collection of resources so Kiwis can be aware of the latest books, videos, articles and findings about mental health and wellbeing. (not BPD specific) Details

Friday Peer Recovery and Support Group
For men and women with mental health issues and their whānau. (Not BPD specific) Ph +64 (09) 279 8233 or Email and Details
NZ - Papatoetoe -12:00-1:30pm

For Carers / Supporters
Resources - Australia Wide

I'm Right/You're Wrong - Balance in Relationships
Balance in RelationshipsThis presentation from Sashbear (Canada) supports individuals who are in a romantic or co-parenting relationship that is impacted by emotional dysregulation. Dr. Sloss highlights DBT concepts and strategies to help people move from polarizing, conflictual and ineffective interactions toward greater understanding, connection, balance and collaboration. (1:11hr) View video

Guide - Supporting young Aboriginal people who self-harm
Supporting young Aboriginal people who self harmThis guide for families and communities has been recently published by Orygen in collaboration with the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention. It outlines early signs to look out for, what to say and do, and how to get help (in metro, country or remote communities and towns), a list of Resources for First Nations people. Read more

When mental health conversations don't go to plan
This Mental Health First Aid Australia  blog (not BPD specific) considers ways we can  'reframe a mental health conversation that hasn't gone to plan as a step toward a positive change in the future'. With tips on approaches we can use, skills such as active listening, grounding, non-judgmental responses, and upping our self-care. Read more

Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
Services Australia logoThe Carer Payment rate has increased following the March indexation. If you are currently receiving it the increase will happen automatically. For people receiving the Carer Allowance the CPI increase occurs on January 1st of each year and you do not need to take any action. Refer to Services Australia for more details

Carers Australia are working with Services Australia to address issues carers may encounter while applying for these benefits. Please send any comments by email to policy@carersaustralia.com.au
 

Mental Health Carers Australia
Mental Health Carers logoMHCA is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the wellbeing and promotion of the needs of families and carers supporting someone with mental ill health. Details


SANE Special Events - Topic Tuesday
Topic TuesdayNext Topic (To be confirmed) 5 :30-7pm (AEDT)
Read transcript of previous Topic Tuesdays:
Mar 28 Calling all Carers
Sept 26 'See the Person' BPD Awareness Week 2022

Carer Supports
SANE Helpline - 1800 187 263 (M-F 10am-10pm AEST)
SANE Guided Service (free digital/telehealth support)
More crisis and helplines are listed at the end of this eBulletin. 

Family Connections
FC KnotFree 12-week evidence-based program for families and friends of people with BPD or Emotional Dysregulation. Register
New Zealand - Contact details
Sign up for the NEABPD newsletter via webform at end of page.

Transcend
TranscendA parent led, peer support network for the families of transgender children in Australia. Download their Guide for Parents and Carers, and find appropriate professional support for your state here. (Not BPD specific) Details

Mental Health First Aid Courses
MHFA logoNot BPD specific, but can assist with confidence in responding to non-suicidal self-harm, psychosis and suicidal ideation. Designed for specific groups such as youth, older person, aboriginal and for teens assisting their peers. Register

ACT
Loved Ones (family & friends) Support Group
BPD Awareness ACTBPD Awareness ACT offer a carer support group for anyone who loves/cares for someone who has traits/been diagnosed with BPD. Contact email or 0415 111 894 or Facebook for details. Meet 1st Monday each month 5:30pm at Carers ACT
Holt, Canberra - May 1
 
NSW
ARAFMI Hunter BPD Support Group for Carers
ARAFMI Hunter MH CarersSupport group for carers and families of a person with BPD. Flyer or Contact ARAFMI Hunter Samaritans on email or ph (02) 4922 1546 or 0429 397 178 Details Meetings held 2nd Tuesday of each month 4:00-5:30pm
Newcastle, Broadmeadows - May 8

Staying Connected When Emotions Run High
Full day workshop for families, partners and friends supporting a person who has overwhelming emotions, impulsive or aggressive behaviours, self-harm and suicidal behaviours. Photo: Stonemeadow Photography Details  
May 5 Mortdale Details
July 18 Narrabri Details

NT
NT Carers
Carer activities include counselling, music therapy, and peer support groups weekly in Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine (not BPD specific). Details

Mental Illness Fellowship
Provides mental health services for carers (not BPD specific). Details and Flyer
Alice Springs (08) 8953 1467
Darwin - Casuarina - (08) 8948 1051

QLD
ARAFMI BPD Carer Support Group (Online)
Arafmi BPD carer ARAFMI also provide services for families & and friends of people with mental illness and/or psychiatric disability. Meets 3rd Thursday of each month @ 1pm-2pm. Details
Online - May 18 Register

SA
Sanctuary BPD Carer Support Group
Sanctuary logoSupport group for carers and families of a person with BPD. Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:00pm Face-to-Face at Glenside AND online. 
Contact us by email website facebook
Online & Glenside - May 8

BPD Collaborative Carer Program
BPD Co Carer Flyer 2023BPD Co offers a range of programs for South Australian families and friends.
For more details ph (08) 7425 6500 or email or see 2023 Flyer
Online - May 23 Carer Info Session (2hr) 6-8pm Register
Online - May 31 Carer Peer Group (4wks) 6-8pm Register
Online - Family Connections Register

Lived-Experience Telephone Support Service (LETTS)
After-hours service supports people with mental health issues as well as their carers, family and friends. From 5-11:30pm every night. 1800 031 755

TAS
Mental Health Families & Friends Tasmania
Carer support group meetings. (not BPD specific) 
Online - TBC - Education & Info Session Supporting someone living with BPD
Online - May 10 - Peer Support 
Hobart - May 17 or 18 - Peer Support
Devonport - May 3 or 4 Peer Support 
Launceston - June 7 or 8 Peer Support or  1-1 support email for info
Call2Connect Carer Phone Support Program Details or phone 0429 121 576

VIC
Learning More about BPD 
Spectrum logoThis 3-hour info session or 1-day workshop by Spectrum is for families, friends and others who support someone with BPD (or a likely diagnosis). It provides info about BPD and how to best support the person whilst still caring for yourselves. Flyer and Details
Richmond - To be confirmed 

WA
BPD Support Group for Families, Carers and Friends (MIFWA)
WA BPD CarersThis peer facilitated group offers support to those in a caring or support role of a family member or friend who experiences BPD or similar traits. Contact MIFWA (08) 9237 8900 
Meet 2nd Wed of the month 5:30-7:00pm. (Alternating between in-person/online meetings. Details and Flyer/Calendar
West Leederville - May 10 (in-person)

Mental Illness Fellowship of WA (MIFWA)
Family members can feel concern, guilt and fear. We can talk with you about your situation, offer information and support. MIFWA aim to provide mutual peer support, promote resilience and coping skills, and increase understanding. Contact MIFWA (08) 9237 8900 
Midland - Details

Online Parent Support Group (MIFWA)
This support group is for those parents/carer supporting young people (not BPD specific). Meet 1st Thursday of each month Contact Caroline at MIFWA (08) 9237-8900 or see Flyer
Online -  May 4

Helping Minds BPD Information & Support
Caring for a family member or friend with a mental illness can be confusing, frightening, exhausting and isolating. No matter how well-meaning, sometimes your friends and family may not know how to support you. However, you do not have to go through it alone. Details

For Clinicians / Researchers
Online Resources

Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility
In this webinar from Sashbear (Canada) Terry Crosby (Family Connections Leader) and Len Pierre (Coast Salish native American ethnicities consultant) discuss the meaning and importance of cultural safety and cultural humility and how these important concepts can give us the opportunity to reflect upon our roles as individuals and communities in this time of Truth and Reconciliation. (1:00hr) View video

Culturally safe therapy for First Nations families living with BPD
First Nations families & BPDThis 2022 paper from the Uni of Queensland suggests that 'combining cultural components with Bowen family systems therapy, the political cast and social constructionist foundation of narrative therapy, and the skills training of DBT into a single holistic model can be very useful in the treatment of BPD with First Nations families'. Read more


Guidelines -  Indigenous people with self-harm & suicidal thoughts
Guidelines Aboriginal self-harmThe ongoing history of colonisation in Australia has undermined relationships between First Nations people and public services, including hospitals. These 2019 guidelines aim to support non-Indigenous practitioners to increase their cultural responsiveness and strengthen trust in order to establish effective intervention and postvention strategies regarding suicide and self-harm. Read more

Day hospital Mentalization-based therapy for youth with BPD
MBT for youth with BPDThe key practitioner message from this new WA paper is 'Touchstone offers an MBT and therapeutic community-
based day programme to adolescents with indicators of 
severe BPD that is effective in reducing self-harm, inter-
nalizing symptoms and presentations to the emergency
department during and after treatment.' Read more

BPD Guide for GP's 
BPD for GPs book coverSpectrum is pleased to share their new book 'Borderline Personality Disorder - A Practical Guide for General Practitioners' edited by Josephine Beatson and Sathya Rao. For General Practitioners who treat patients with BPD. Details & Flyer &  Purchase


BPD: Diagnosis and Management in General Practice
RACGP logoThis GP only training is designed to assist GPs in identifying the risk factors and clinical features of BPD. It reviews effective management, appropriate prescribing, involvement of families/carers and crisis management. Activity 181349 (60 mins, CPD: 2 points) Available to RACGP members with a login at https://mycpd.racgp.org.au/activity/181349 

Conferences / Forums 

Yale-NEABPD Annual Conference
Online & Connecticut, USA - 5 May 2023
Yale-NEABPD Conference 2023'Interpersonal Connections & BPD'
Held both online and in-person at Yale Uni in Connecticut, USA, the conference will feature professional and lived-experience speakers. Details 
New Haven, USA - Register
Online - Register

BIGSPD 2023 Conference 
Glasgow, Scotland - 13-15 June 2023
BIGSPD Conference 2023Plenary speakers at the in-person British & Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder Conference include Professor Giles Newton-Howes (NZ) and presenters from Scotland, England and Germany. Register 

ISSPD Conference
Sydney, NSW, Australia - 1-3 Nov 2023
ISSPD Congress'Collaboration for a Global Future' is the theme of the The International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders conference in Sydney. Presenters from a range of countries will share their latest research and for the first time the family, carer and consumer day will be integrated into the congress. Project Air (NSW), Spectrum (Vic), BPD Collaborative (SA) and the Australian BPD Foundation will be combining their conferences with this very special event. Early bird prices close 5 July. Register

Training
 
Australian BPD Foundation
National BPD Training Strategy 
National Training Strategy logoThis professional development strategy has been completed and we are now seeking ongoing funding to continue offering the Stage 3 Core Competency & Train the Trainer Workshops. Meanwhile if you would like to provide this training to your staff please contact us on admin@bpdfoundation.org.au for a quote. Stages 1 & 2 are still freely available to view at your convenience.
Stage 1 - Webinars
6 online webinars View webinars
Stage 2 - eLearning Modules
5 online modules - ‘Effective Psychological Treatment for BPD’ for mental health workers and service providers. Completed sequentially, each module takes approx 60 mins. Certificate issued. Complete Modules
Stage 3 - Core Competency Workshops
VIC, Richmond - May 29 & 30 Register
 

Bouverie Centre
2023 Training Calendar
ONLINE - Self-paced Training
My Early Relational Trauma Informed Learning (MERTIL)
In this Australian-first program you will learn the identification of and response to early trauma in the parent-child relationship, stemming from parent mental illness, grief, family violence, substance abuse, and related experiences. Register
LGBTIQ+ Family Matters Register
Family Therapy Foundations Register

WORKSHOPS
Working Relationally with BPD
VIC - Brunswick - May 10 Register
Shame, Trauma & Family Relationships
VIC - Brunswick - May 11 Register
 

Blue Knot
Introduction to Dissociation
Online - May 26 Register
Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness
Online - May 29 Waitlist
Managing Wellbeing & Recognising Vicarious Trauma
VIC - Melb - May 05 Register
Online - May 15 Register
Three Phased Approach: Safety & Stabilisation (1-day)
Online - May 22 Waitlist
Online - May 30 Register
Trauma Responsive Leadership - Self as leader
QLD - Bris - May 18 Register
Trauma Responsive Leadership - Organisational Practice
Online - May 18 Register
QLD - Bris - May 24 Register
Trauma Sensitive Practice - Working with Complex Trauma
Online - May 21 Register 
Online - Jun 23 Register 

Webinar Series - Trauma Awareness
Blue Knot WebinarsWellbeing and Emotional Awareness when working with complex Trauma (Webinar)
Webinar - May 31 Register
Exploring the Importance of Compassion and Empathy
Webinar - TBC Register
Creating Safety and Connection (Webinar)
Webinar - Jun 28 Register
Building Trauma Awareness (Webinar)
Webinar - Jul 25 Register
Building Awareness and Connection with the Body (Webinar)
Webinar - Jun 14 Register
 

Centre for Mental Health Learning Victoria
Working with People with BPD
This self-directed online training module introduces personality disorders, the issues that present in practice, and the lived experience of these disorders. It discusses challenges for staff, and how to get support in identifying and managing personal reactions to consumers with personality disorders, along with working with other agencies to promote a consistent approach.
Online - Self-pace Register
 

GROW (NZ)
Befriending your Nervous System: Polyvagal Theory
Online - Jun 22 Register
Skills for Working with BPD 201
Online - Jun 30 Register
STEPPS
Online - May 26 (101) Register
Online - June 9 (201) Register
 

LGBTI Professional Development, Education & Training
The National LGBTI Health Alliance have created a database of training opportunities available across Australia. They also have created a checklist for an Inclusivity Audit Tool to assist organisations to be LGBTI friendly. Download
 

MBT Australia
Online and in-person Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) trainings have been developed and are periodically offered in Australia. Details
 

Mental Health Coordinating Council
2023 Learning and Development Calendar
Managing Workers with Lived Experience
NSW - Sydney - May 9-10 Register
 

Mental Health First Aid Australia
Four hour face-to-face course for anyone over 18 years. Not BPD specific.
Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Flyer and Register
Conversations about Suicide Register
 

Mental Health Professionals Networks
MHPN logoBPD-focused networks meet face-to-face or online to offer the opportunity to build practitioner relationships, improve referral pathways, benefit from peer support and professional development opportunities. To start or join a BPD network in your area contact networks@mhpn.org.au or ph1800 209 031 or register via the new MHPN website portal. 
ACT – Complex PTSD 
QLD - Brisbane North 
QLD - Ipswich/West Moreton - Seeking coordinator
NT - Seeking coordinator
WA - Perth
WA - Perth Complex Trauma 
SA - Seeking coordinator
NSW - Sydney - New co-ordinator! Pls fill in Survey for first meeting
Tasmania - Seeking coordinator
Victoria
VIC - BPD & Complex Trauma 
 

NSW Health - Illawarra Shoalhaven 
Staying Connected When Emotions Run High - For Professionals
Full day interactive workshop outlines how to educate clients, families and carers about 5 key strategies of supporting a person in distress. Details
NSW - Burwood - May 8 Register
NSW - Campbelltown - May 9 Register
NSW - Penrith - May 29 Register
 

Orygen – National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health
National training program. Details & 2023 Training Calendar
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) in 2023
VIC - Parkville - Mar 10-11, Jul 12, Sept 13-14, Nov 15-16 Register
Relational Formulation
Working with young people experiencing severe and complex mental ill-health including personality disorders.
VIC - Parkville - May 18 Register
Rethinking 1st episode psychosis &personality disorder
VIC - Parkville - Jun 14 Register

Orygen - Youth Health
Local Community Professionals training program. Details
Skills for responding to self-harm and suicide
Parkville - May 03 Register
Trans pathways: Referral options
Parkville - May 10 Register
 

Project Air Strategy
Please see our Webinars & Podcasts.
Effective Psychological Treatment for BPD 
Online - Modules
Adolescent Intervention - Guide for clinicians
Online - Modules
 

Schema Therapy Society
Schema Therapy is an evidence-based therapy for BPD. The Schema Therapy Society provides links to Schema Therapy training providers around Australia. Details
NSW  VIC  WA (Hayes & Simpson) and WA (Chris Lee)
ST The Basics (3-day workshop)
TBC - May 14 - Details
ST Workshop 1: Model, Methods & Techniques
VIC - Melb - May 3-5 Register
WA - Perth - May 10-12 Register
ST Workshop 2: ST Beyond the Basics
NZ - Auckland - Sep 23-25 Register
ST Standard Workshop
WA - Perth May 4-5 Register
ST Advanced Workshop
VIC - Melb - Jul 17-18 Register
NSW - Syd - Jul 19-20 Register
WA - Perth - Dec 5-6 Register
 

Spectrum
2023 Training Calendar
Foundation Training for Working with People with BPD (1-day)
Richmond - May 12 Register
Info Session: DBT Intensive & DBT Foundational
Richmond - May 23 Register
MBT for BPD (2-days)
Richmond - May 28 Register
BPD Core Competency Workshop (2-days)
Richmond - May 29 Register
Working with Crises Associated with BPD (1-day)
Richmond - May 29 Register
DBT 10-day Intensive Training
Online - 22-26 May Register
Online - 13-17 Nov Register
 

WAAMH Western Australian Association for Mental Health
Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs - Online
Online - May 02 Register
WA - Perth - May 09 Register
De-escalation Skills
WA - Perth - May 10-11 Register
Being Trauma Responsive
WA - Perth - May 26 Register
Understanding Self-Harm
Online - May 30-31 Register

Helplines - 24 hour

COVID-19 Supports
National Coronavirus Helpline - 1800 020 080 
State information 
Telehealth - Bulk Billed appointments from Jan 2022
Beyond Blue
SANE
Are You OK?
ReachOut
Head to Health 
Disability Information Helpline

COVID-19 Resources
Translated printed resources and video/audio
Aboriginal languages 
Easy Read English 
Children
Young people and their parents
Older Australians
GP's

Database of Helplines in Australia
Find a Helpline https://findahelpline.com

Helplines - 24 Hour
Emergency Services 000
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Suicide Line Victoria 1300 651 251 www.suicideline.org.au
Lifeline 13 11 14 or Chat www.lifeline.org.au
Kid's Helpline (5-25yrs) 1800 55 1800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au
13YARN First Nations crisis support line 13 92 76 (24/7)
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636  or Chat https://www.youthbeyondblue.com
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 https://mensline.org.au/
Direct Line 1800 888 236 Immediate counselling & support
Poison Information Centre 13 11 26
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015
Counselling Online (AOD) https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
Ice Help Line 1800 423 238
Family Drug Support Helpline 1300 368 186 or https://www.fds.org.au/

Helplines - Limited Hours
SANE Helpline - 1800 187 263
Mon - Fri 10am-10pm AEST.
Chatline Mon-Fri 10am-10pm AEST/AEDT Details
Blue Knot Helpline - 1300 657 380
Mon-Sun 9am-5pm AEST/ADST helpline@blueknot.org.au
QLife - 1800 184 527
Mon-Sun 3pm-12am AEDT Webchat  https://qlife.org.au/
Eating Disorders Helpline - 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
Mon-Fri 8am-9pm AEST (except public holidays).
support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
Transcultural Mental Health Line 1800 648 911 (9am-4:30pm M-F) NEW!
https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre-tmhc/transcultural-mental-health-line-tmhl/transcultural-mental-health-line

Helplines - New Zealand 24/7
Healthline - 0800 611 116 
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or text 5347 (HELP)
Need to Talk? (Peer Support) text 1737
More NZ helplines here: 
https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/helplines/

Helplines - Worldwide
Befrienders Worldwide http://www.befrienders.org/
Facebook I need to find a suicide helpline for myself or a friend http://facebook.com/help/103883219702654
International Database of helplines https://findahelpline.com

Donate, Submissions, Subscribe
Logo Registered Charity
We welcome donations to help us to continue to support, promote and advocate for BPD services in Australia.

The Foundation is registered as a charity by the ACNC with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate with credit card/Paypal, or for EFT/direct debit please email.
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Information in this eBulletin was compiled by Karen Bailey. The Foundation welcomes your contributions and suggestions of relevant BPD information for our eBulletin and quarterly newsletter 'The BPD Advocate'.  Please email us.
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Disclaimer: By publishing, promoting, or otherwise communicating to you the details of an event, training or resource, the Australian BPD Foundation does not endorse or recommend that such an event, training or resource is relevant or appropriate for you personally. This information is of a general nature only, and the event, training or resource should be considered carefully to evaluate its relevance to your purposes. Where it is not provided by us directly, the Australian BPD Foundation takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the content of the event, training or resource referred to in this publication, promotion or communication. If you have any queries or concerns please speak to the organiser or if appropriate your medical practitioner.

Copyright © 2023 Australian BPD Foundation, All rights reserved.


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