Starting a
 network

MHPN’s Network support is funded by the Australian Federal Government, and all networks are therefore required to meet the below criteria to access MHPN’s administrative, financial, and strategic support.

MHPN Networks must:

• Have a mental health focus.
• Include three or more members from different mental health disciplines.
• Meet a minimum of four times per financial year.

When applying to start a network, MHPN Project Officers will review existing Networks in the area and/or mental health field of focus to determine if a new Network can be established.

Practitioners with a professional interest in mental health, with skills in leading and facilitating groups are encouraged to consider becoming Coordinators.

The responsibility of coordination doesn’t need to sit with one person. The Coordination role can also be covered in the following ways:

• Planning group / steering group / committee. A small group of network members worktogether to make decisions about network meetings, sharing the associated tasks.
• Dual-coordination. Two people work together, sharing the responsibilities.
• Rotating coordination. Network members take turns coordinating each network meeting.
• Organisation-based coordination. An organisation partners with MHPN to establish a network and arrange regular meetings.
• Individual coordinator. One person is responsible for coordinating all network meetings.

With the support of an MHPN Project Officer, Network Coordinators are responsible for:

• deciding network meeting topics, dates and locations
• facilitating network meetings
• securing guest speakers
• providing regular feedback to MHPN.

MHPN’s Network team is dedicated to supporting our volunteer Network Coordinators. Each Coordinator will work closely with their designated MHPN Project Officer to support the network and arrange meetings.

Network funding

MHPN provides networks with a modest amount of funding to pay for pre-approved costs associated with holding meetings. The amount of funding varies depending on whether the meeting is online or face-to-face, the location and the number of expected attendees.

Administrative and marketing support

The network’s designated Project Officer, in conjunction with our administration team, undertakes tasks such as:

• maintaining network member details on MHPN’s database, including managing the Member Directory
• sending network meeting invitations and reminders while monitoring RSVPs
• providing electronic Statements of Attendance to meeting attendees after the meeting
• promoting your network to attract new members.

Resources and Tools

MHPN has developed tools and resources that can help grow and develop networks. These can be found in the Coordinator Hub. We also have a dedicated meeting inspiration page to help Coordinators with ideas for their network.

Guidance

Project Officers, where needed, can also provide advice on meeting topics, guest speakers and member engagement. Additionally, MHPN send Coordinator Connect, a quarterly e-newsletter to keep you up-to-date with network news, trending meeting topics, tips about coordinating and other MHPN activities.

Coordinator Perks

MHPN offer Network Coordinators membership to an exclusive MHPN network with opportunities to meet fellow Coordinators all over Australia and access exclusive professional development and self-care events. Current Coordinators, ask your Project Officer for more information on joining!