black dog institute - pro bono australia...contents message from the director 1 strategic direction...

Black Dog Institute 2017 Impact Report

Creating a mentally healthier world.

Contents

Message from the Director 1

Strategic direction 2

Highlights of the last 12 months 4

High impact philanthropy – LifeSpan 5

A Black Dog Institute Rising Star – Dr Bridianne O’Dea 6

Smooth Sailing 8

Supporting mental health in rural Australia 9

Major supporters 10

Board of Directors 12

Black Dog Foundation 13

Financials 14

Message from the Chairman 16

Front cover: Black Dog Institute Corporate Partnerships Manager, Fleur Mortimer; IT Manager, Jacinto Santamaria; Director and Chief Scientist, Professor Helen Christensen; Founder, Professor Gordon Parker.

Message from the DirectorFor the fifth consecutive year, Black Dog Institute has continued to grow and expand its vital programs. We have increased our funding streams including fundraising, government grants and fee-for-service income. In the past year we have also increased the depth and breadth of our research and development. We are now operating 135 research studies to further develop our understanding of effective, evidence-based approaches to facilitate the early detection, prevention and treatment of mental illness.

We know that evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs are essential to reduce the risk of adolescent mental illness. We have remained focused on using unique and innovative approaches to prevent the early onset of mental illness in young people, as well as preventing serious morbidity seen in adulthood which has origins in childhood.

Through our early intervention projects, we aim to not only circumvent the short term detrimental effects of mental health disorders, but also to safeguard young people from longer term cycles of disadvantage.

With young people increasingly turning to the internet for answers to their mental health issues, Black Dog Institute continues to develop new self-guided, online psychological therapies, which our research proves are effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In 2017, The Federal Minister for Health, The Hon. Greg Hunt, announced that Black Dog will lead Australia’s largest ever clinical trial into the effectiveness of mental health apps for preventing depression in adolescents. Dubbed the ‘Future Proofing’ study, this trial will involve 20,000 teenagers and monitor their progress over five years.

Our translation approach to research has expanded, with larger and more diverse audiences for our education, clinical and e-health services through strengthening relationships with schools, workplaces and community groups.

In 2017, the Black Dog Institute continued to deliver services through our specialist Depression, Bipolar, Psychology and Neurostimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Clinics, with over 1,800 appointments provided. We also expanded the reach of our services through telepsychiatry and expert mood disorder assessments for youth in Western Sydney. In particular, our unique Bipolar Wellness Group program was popular this year, providing psychological strategies aimed at relapse prevention in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. To ensure that our clinical services are targeted at areas of need not easily addressed by the existing health system, we have been consulting with providers and users of mental health services to identify where gaps or difficulties exist in the current provision of mental health services in NSW.

With the generous support of our network of major donors, fundraisers and corporate partners, Black Dog has been able to commit to early intervention and long-term projects, creating a measurable impact on the lives of young Australians and their families. On behalf of the Black Dog Institute Board, Foundation and all our staff, I would like to thank you for supporting and sharing our vision for a mentally healthier world.

Scientia Professor Helen Christensen DIRECTOR

Contents

Message from the Director 1

Strategic direction 2

Highlights of the last 12 months 4

High impact philanthropy – LifeSpan 5

A Black Dog Institute Rising Star – Dr Bridianne O’Dea 6

Smooth Sailing 8

Supporting mental health in rural Australia 9

Major supporters 10

Board of Directors 12

Black Dog Foundation 13

Financials 14

Message from the Chairman 16

Black Dog Institute 2017 Impact Report 1

Strategic direction

Our five-year strategic plan has been developed to take our work to the next level. All our work is guided by research and evidence – ensuring our programs are effective and can have the highest level of impact. Our priorities will ensure our outcomes are relevant, impactful, and accessible to all who need them.

Research Innovation and Expertise

Financial & Operational Sustainability1 2

To be a leader in world-class mental health research we will:

• Increase the depth and breadth of our research and development

•Attractandretainoutstandingresearchersnationally andinternationally

• Enhance our research and development partnerships

•Influencebroaderresearchpolicydirections

ToexpandanddiversifyoursourcesofincometoinvestinBDI’sgrowth,toachievelong-termfinancialandoperationalsustainability,wewill:

•Protectandgrowourcurrentfundingstreams

•Increasefee-for-serviceincomefromeducation,clinicalandconsultancyservices

•Developandembedamodeltocapitaliseonexistingandemergingproductsandservicesthroughcommercialisationopportunities

•Identifyandattractadditionalsourcesofgovernmentandgrantfunding

•Increaserevenuefromadiversityoffundraisingandalternativefundingstreams,withafocusonuntied,unrestricted funds

•Reviseandstrengthengovernance,complianceandorganisationalstructuresandprocesses,includingeffectivefinancialmanagementandbuildingofreserves,toenablesustainableplannedgrowthandfinancialsecurity

Black Dog Institute 2017 Impact Report2

Knowledge Translation

Technology

Our People3 4 5

TouseourintegratedKnowledgeTranslation(KT)modeltocreateanddeliverinnovative,highquality,evidence-basedtools,modelsandserviceswhichlowertheimpactofmentalillnessandaresuitablefordeliverytoconsumers,cliniciansandresearchers,wewill:

•Expandthediversityandsizeoftheaudiencesforoureducation,clinicalande-healthservices

•Delivernoveltreatmentsandmodalitiesinclinicalcare in accordance with our research base

•Developandembedamodelformanagingnewandemergingproductsandservicesusingafullyfunctional KTmodeltosupporttranslationfromproofofconceptandearlyprototypestagetoscaleddeliverytotheintended audience

•Provideaclearandintegratedofferingacrossour services,relevanttoourdiversestakeholdergroups, andberesponsivetochangesanddevelopmentsacrossthe sector

•Informandinfluenceevidence-basedpolicyandmentalhealthreformthroughbuildingrelationshipswithgovernmentandmentalhealthpolicymakers;raisingpublicawarenessofBlackDogInstituteandKnowledgeTranslation

•EngagestaffinthedevelopmentofaKnowledgeTranslationculture,valuesandjourney

Tousetechnologytofast-trackresearchtranslationintoinnovativementalhealthprogramsandclinicalservices,andtobuildoutstandingcommunityandsupporterengagementwewill:

•Bealeaderinthedeliveryofe-healthservices

•Workwithtechnologypartners/jointventurestoenhanceproductsandopportunitiestotakethingsto scale

•BealeaderindigitalcommunicationswithBDI’svariedstakeholdergroups

•InvestinIT–capability,capacityandsystems–toensureallpartsofBDIhaveappropriatetechnologicalsupporttomeettheircurrentandfutureorganisationalneeds

Tobeaworkplaceofchoicewhichvaluestheuniquenessanddiversityofitsemployees,maximisestheirpotentialandfocusesontheirdevelopment,engagementandwellbeing,wewill:

•Developandimplementinnovative,leading,evidence-basedpeopleandculturepractices

•Developandembedstrongtalentrecruitment,managementandretentionpractices

• Nurture leadership development at all levels of the organisationtoensuresuccessionplanningforthenextgeneration

• Commit to the professional development of our diverse workforce

•Embedapositive,values-basedculturewhichengagesstaffinBDI’smissionandstrategyandpromotesworkplacewellbeing


Highlights of the last 12 months

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, these are some of the things we achieved in the last 12 months.

45,000users of our e-mental

health programs

18webinars developed for

health practitioners

2,548health professionals attended Black Dog accredited training

workshops

135research projects

23,557people attended

school and community presentations

7e-mental health products

developed

2,500patients seen across six

clinics in Australia

4 Black Dog Institute 2017 Impact Report

High impact philanthropy – LifeSpanIn 2014, Australian businessman and philanthropist, Paul Ramsay gifted his entire estate to the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

In December 2015, Black Dog Institute received an independent six-year philanthropic grant from the Paul Ramsay Foundation to deliver LifeSpan, an ambitious four site trial, designed to test the effectiveness of a systems approach to suicide prevention.

After two years of detailed project design, site establishment and pre-implementation preparation including risk management and governance, stage II of the project is well under way.

2017 saw the first roll-out of LifeSpan in the communities of Newcastle, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Central Coast and Murrumbidgee. Using reliable data, these regions were identified as ‘high-risk’ areas for youth suicide.

Based on the most up-to-date evidence available and drawing from positive results of similar, large scale suicide prevention programs overseas, this integrated systems approach is expected to ultimately prevent 21% of suicide deaths, and 30% of suicide attempts, as well as pave the way for a new framework for suicide prevention Australia-wide.

Generosity that is shown through large gifts, such as that from the Paul Ramsay Foundation, make such a significant impact by enabling Black Dog to develop and commit to long-term, innovative and game-changing solutions for mental illness.

“Most Indigenous families have been bereaved by suicide. And while it has improved, stigma is still there, it will always be there. It can be difficult to talk about, but giving people the right information so that they feel empowered and encouraged to share their experience, to speak out or to seek help, is so important.”

Ngaree Ah-Kit CRESP Lived Experience Advisory Group Member


A Black Dog Institute Rising Star Dr Bridianne O’DeaTo ensure the future of mental health research in Australia, Black Dog Institute is committed to providing opportunities for early career researchers.

Dr Bridianne O’Dea is an early career research fellow at the Black Dog Institute. O’Dea has been with the Institute for the past five years. Her research focuses on the design and development of digital interventions for mental health and social media for suicide prevention. O’Dea integrates her formal training in public health and psychology with computer science to design and test interventions that are scalable and low-cost but also engaging, and ultimately, translational.

Dr O’Dea currently leads a program of school-based research here at the Institute. In 2017, Dr O’Dea won The Mental Health Services Learning Network (the MHS) Early Career Research Award for Innovation, in recognition of her novel work on the Smooth Sailing service – an online, school-based mental health service, aiming to reduce depression and anxiety in secondary students. In 2017, Dr O’Dea was also named as one of Australia’s brightest young scientists as winner of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) prestigious NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award. She was also recently announced as one of six finalists in the 2017 Bupa Health Foundation Emerging Health Researcher Award.

“Researchers like myself know that if we can have a better method of detection, we can lower the suicide rate and we think Internet activity, like social media, allows us to do just that”

Dr Bridianne O’Dea

Black Dog Institute 2017 Impact Report6 Black Dog Institute 2017 Impact Report

Smooth Sailing Providing virtual clinical care to youth with mental health problemsAustralia is facing a major youth mental healthcare crisis. Depression and anxiety affect up to one in ten young people, and are associated with poor school performance, substance misuse and general poor quality of life. Young people are often unable to access care in a timely manner, meaning that for many young people, their mental health problems progress into severe mental illnesses.

A fatal and tragic outcome of mental illness is suicide – the leading cause of death among young people. In the past 12 months alone, 1 in 10 young people has self-harmed, 1 in 13 has seriously considered suicide, with 1 in 40 making a suicide attempt. Suicidal behaviour is largely preventable. With early intervention, treatment, and relapse prevention we estimate a significant portion of suicide attempts and deaths can be averted.

For the past two years, researchers at the Black Dog Institute have been implementing a school-based online mental health service. This service, called Smooth Sailing, uses a sophisticated digital platform to assess young people’s mental health, allocate them to a level of care matching their symptoms, provide information and online therapy, link-in with the school counsellor, and monitor their progress. The service aims to improve the detection of mental ill-health and suicidality among youth, improve their help-seeking as well as support the school’s counselling services.

With the further commitment in 2017 of a two-year grant from the Goodman Foundation, Black Dog Institute is adapting the Smooth Sailing service for delivery in GP settings. By doing so, we will be able to:

• Deliver a digital mental healthcare service that includes assessment, therapeutic content, and a frequent monitoring system that alerts the primary clinician in real-time when a young patient is not doing well, or fails to respond to treatment for their mental health.

• Provide a new type of service that not only increases the quality of mental healthcare provided to youth, but also the level of follow-up and continuity of care.

Ultimately, the final product will be a fully-functioning service that GPs can use with their young patients to improve quality, efficiency and satisfaction of care for better mental health outcomes. This project is one of the first of its kind in Australia and represents a novel and innovative approach to mental healthcare for young people.


Smooth Sailing Providing virtual clinical care to youth with mental health problems

“Sharing, especially something so personal, isn’t something I’m usually comfortable with. However, I wanted to get the message across to blokes that there is no weakness in putting your hand up and asking for help.”

Craig Semple Volunteer Presenter

Supporting mental health in rural AustraliaStudies show there are higher levels of psychological distress and risk of suicide in rural communities than urban communities, yet there is a recognised gap in mental health services between rural and urban Australia. There is also insufficient availability and access to high quality, evidence-based education for health practitioners working in rural areas.

Many health professionals, such as General Practitioners, in rural and remote communities lack the skill, resources, and health service networks to adequately diagnose and treat mental illness. Individuals in small country towns also find seeking help for mental health issues can be a challenge. These issues, coupled with the pressures of farming life suggest that people in rural communities are at far greater risk of undiagnosed and unmanaged mental illness, and potentially suicide.

As part of our commitment to the most vulnerable and at-risk groups of society, Black Dog Institute is working with health professionals in regional and rural areas to increase their skills and confidence in diagnosing and managing depression, suicidality, and improving knowledge of resources and referral services available to them in caring for patients experiencing a mental illness.

Black Dog Institute has been delivering education and training programs since 2007, and is aware of the scarcity of face-to-face mental health training for rural practitioners. Black Dog Institute has extremely positive relationships with local health service providers and relevant organisations such as; Primary Health Networks across Australia, and understands there is a pressing need to provide clinically relevant, high quality face-to-face training in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health problems in rural Australia.

“I honestly cannot think of a single thing that should be changed – it was brilliant. We’re so happy to be working with you all to have this program rolled out in Farm-Link sites. Clinicians in our areas are very lucky to have access to training like this.”Fiona Livingstone Farm-Link Project, Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health


Major supporters AFA Foundation

Alan Lipman

Alceon Group

Allens Linklaters

Ann Walker

Anthony Hill

Aon Charitable Foundation

Australian Communities Foundation

Australian Foundation for Mental Health Research

B B & A Miller Foundation

BDO

Benevity

Berg Family Foundation

Besen Family Foundation

Black Puppy Foundation

Brown-Forman

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Daniel Baffsky

David Bachmayer

David Gribbe

David Harris

David Jones Limited

David O’Halloran

Davies Family Foundation

Diversified Exhibitions

Doc Ross Family Foundation

Firefighters Charity Fund Melbourne

Flynn O’Byrne Inglis

PwC Australia

Robert & Susie Nugan

Future Generation Global Investment Company Ltd

Tony & Gai Wales

Gene Pty Ltd

Goodman Foundation

Google

Graf Family Foundation

Guyra Ardee Pty Ltd

Hilmer Family Foundation

HSBC

Hugh Williams

Ivany Foundation

James N Kirby Foundation

Janko & Marcia Vukovic

John Church

Julian Biggins

Kevin Jacobson

Let’s Connect Women

Lions Club of Dimbulah

Luke Hartman

Macquarie Group Foundation

Marilyn Darling

Mark Monk

MetLife

Mitchell & Harriet Waugh

Mostyn Family Foundation

Neville & Hourn Legal

Ottomin Foundation

Paul Ramsay Foundation

Pengana Capital Group

Peter & Nettie Joseph

Public House Management Group

Robert & Judy Phillips

Ron Ferster

S & J Cook Family Foundation

SAS Institute Australia

Scanlon Foundation

Scottish Pacific

Sergii Datsenko

Sohn Hearts and Minds Conference

Southern Cross Austereo

St John Paul College

Terry Newman


The Beddoes Institute

The Bluesand Foundation

The Boathouse Group

The Four Hodges Foundation

The Mather Foundation

The Sky Foundation

Tony King

Trevor Loewensohn

UBS Australia Foundation

Wantz Committee

Waverly Council Staff Charitable Trust

Wentworthville Leagues Club

Woodside Energy Ltd


Board of Directors

Mr Peter Joseph AM, (Chairman)“ Ultimately it comes down to the

people. The scientists, the doctors, the researchers, the therapists, the fundraisers, the administrators and the volunteers. They are all heroes and everyday change the lives of so many for the better. We salute them and thank them.”

Mrs Carol Berg“ I believe in increasing awareness about

the importance of mental health, and then making the best treatment available to as many people in need as possible. The Black Dog Institute’s multifaceted approach incorporates research, education and clinical translation, and is making a huge contribution to a significantly under resourced area of health in the community.”

Mr James Blomfield“ Mental illness is one of the most significant

challenges of our time and will only be addressed through a deep understanding of its causes and treatments. The Black Dog Institute is at the forefront of building that understanding and translating it into programmes to build mental wellness.”

Ms Melanie Kiely “ No-one is immune to the damaging

effects of mental health challenges in the community. We all know someone who has been affected or are even affected ourselves. At a personal level, I care deeply that we need to address this challenge and provide all the help and support we can based on solid research that can be translated into better outcomes. This is what the Black Dog Institute does and has always strived to do and why I am so proud to be a Director.’

The Hon Craig Knowles AM “ The Black Dog Institute offers more than

just hope. The Institute underscores the value of knowledge through research and compassion through committed and determined advocacy and clinical support. Fundamentally, Black Dog Institute is about giving those who suffer from depression a chance for a better life. We are all better off because of the work of the Black Dog Institute.”

Ms Jane Madden “ Mental health is critical for every person

on the planet and yet remains an area too often neglected. The Black Dog Institute’s work shines as a beacon, providing excellent research, clinical services and support, including to underpin frontline staff. I am privileged to serve on the Black Dog Institute Board and help in any way with this challenge.”

Dr Timothy Smyth “ Black Dog Institute builds bridges bringing

research, education and better treatment together.’

Professor Helen Christensen“ Mental health problems are widespread

but not well understood. The Black Dog Institute is unique in tackling the big questions around the causes and treatments of mental illness. It is also extraordinary in its commitment to making sure that research findings make their way into healthcare and public health forums’.’


Black Dog Foundation The Black Dog Institute Foundation was established to bring together leaders of the Australian community who share a passion for mental health.

The Foundation’s board connects philanthropists and business leaders with the Black Dog Institute’s valuable and internationally respected work.

Black Dog Institute Foundation Directors:

Mr Ron Ferster - Chairman

Ms Karen Elliff - Company Secretary

Mrs Carol Berg

Mr Luke Hartman

Mrs Susie Nugan

Mr Trevor Loewensohn

“It is a very special privilege to head the Black Dog Institute Foundation. The Directors are an active, engaged and diverse group of members tirelessly working to secure financial support for some of Black Dog Institute’s biggest and most ambitious mental health programs.”

Ron Ferster Chairman, Black Dog Institute Foundation

Mr Ronald Ferster “ The Black Dog Institute through its

commitment to excellence in generating evidence-based research remains at the forefront of identifying solutions and badly needed assistance to those who experience mental illness, primarily in Australia, but also beyond. I believe that my experience and background in business and previous philanthropic engagements will assist Black Dog Institute in achieving some of its extensive goals.”

Mr Grant Lovett “ I’ve had a personal family experience

with the Black Dog Institute and have seen its fantastic work first hand. I recognise the significant and positive impact the Institute can have in improving people’s lives and I’m driven to ensure its good work can reach as many people as possible.”

Mr John Wells “ The Black Dog Institute is the leading

organisation in Australia researching, diagnosing and treating depression among all people, but particularly among younger people. It is an organisation dedicated and committed to helping all people with the terrible affliction of depression. It is a marvelous organisation committed and dedicated to very important work.”


Financials Statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 June 2017 2017 2016

$ $

Revenue from Continuing OperationsGrant funding 11,191,942 7,452,611

Fundraising income 3,632,866 2,492,955

Fee for service 1,992,245 1,684,720

Interest revenue 96,854 80,711

Other revenue 407,823 67,384

17,321,730 11,778,381

ExpensesEmployee benefits 8,189,714 6,451,202

Other manpower 3,118,704 2,396,300

Implementation 883,750 -

Travel 429,813 345,752

Advertising and promotion 402,042 353,951

Research operations 280,675 181,483

Information technology 248,960 133,055

Depreciation and amortisation 225,208 238,263

Printing and stationary 204,993 174,251

Other expenses 891,415 717,305

14,875,274 10,991,562

Surplus before tax 2,446,456 786,819

Income tax expense - -

Surplus for the year 2,446,456 786,819

Other comprehensive income - -

Total comprehensive income for the year 2,446,456 786,819


Statement of financial position

For the year ended 30 June 2017 2017 2016

$ $

ASSETSCurrent assetsCash and cash equivalents 10,042,889 6,513,244

Trade and other receivables 4,926,839 5,551,633

Total current assets 14,969,728 12,064,877

Non-current assetsProperty, plant and equipment 2,530,252 2,731,226

Intangible assets 64,212 79,256

Total non-current assets 2,594,464 2,810,482

Total assets 17,564,192 14,875,359

LIABILITIESCurrent liabilitiesTrade and other payables 8,070,045 7,834,584

Total current liabilities 8,070,045 7,834,584

Non-current liabilitiesProvisions 33,693 26,777

Total non-current liabilities 33,693 26,777

Total liabilities 8,103,738 7,861,361

Net assets 9,460,454 7,013,998

EQUITYOther reserves 1,744,732 904,045

Retained earnings 7,715,722 6,109,953

Total equity 9,460,454 7,013,998

“I think that any organisation that spreads awareness is a good one. On the education front, absolutely the Black Dog Institute is one of the champions. ”

Ollie Volunteer Presenter


Message from the ChairmanBlack Dog exists because in our hearts we believe everyone deserves peace of mind. Mental illness in all its manifestations is rapidly becoming, globally, the largest economic burden of disease.

Black Dog is a world leader in finding answers to some of the toughest illnesses in the book. It is the new frontier for medicine and science but as such there is a huge amount of unexplored territory. It is enormously costly to explore.

It is indeed an honour to be the Chair of an organisation that every day pursues that journey of exploration and develops tools that can help any of us seeking help.

The reality is that everyone can make a difference in the mission for a more mentally healthy Australia by becoming a stakeholder in enabling this work to proceed at scale. This may mean many things and none more so than the impact of major gifts.

We simply can’t understate the value and long-term impact of these donations. Without the funding and support of our generous major donors, corporate partners, and those who have left significant bequests to the Institute, many Black Dog Institute programs could simply not be undertaken. As Winston Churchill (who suffered from mental illness throughout his life and named it “the Black Dog” ) famously said at the beginning of World War 2, “Give us the tools and we will do the job” .

Peter Joseph CHAIRMAN


Thank YouBlack Dog Institute would like to thank all of our supporters, whose commitment has enabled us to continue our innovative, world-class research investigating the causes of mental illness and driving evidence-based treatments and solutions that improve the mental wellbeing of Australians. We would also like to thank the members of our Board and the Black Dog Foundation for their tireless efforts bringing strong governance and growth to the Institute. We would also like to acknowledge our Patron, the NSW Governor, His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley, AC, DSC (Retd) for his ongoing support. Together, we can create a mentally healthier world..

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

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