SSN 2026 Symposium "Converging crises: Mental Health, Wellbeing and Home"

A joint initiative of the Deakin Home Research Hub (HOME) and the Deakin Science and Society Network (SSN)

Housing, home and notions of place and inextricably tied to mental health and wellbeing. Colleagues across fields and the public are invited to join the the SSN and a score of leading researchers for a symposium that approaches these converging themes across four interdisciplinary panels. A keynote by Associate Professor Nikita Simpson (SOAS, UK) will open the day, and the audience will be invited to take part in the unfolding discussion that includes a session with Deakin's HOME researchers, and a closing roundtable.

Please see the line-up below. This is an in-person event, with lunch and tea catered.

Access to good quality, affordable housing is critical to mental health & wellbeing. Despite being a wealthy country, Australia is in the grip of two converging crises: a mental health/wellbeing crisis and a housing crisis. Over the past five years, there has been a 25% surge in persistent homelessness, over 1.25 million low-income households are in housing stress, and 40% of private renters report their housing circumstance effects their mental health. While housing affordability and supply are critical, there are a range of other housing-related issues key to mental health/wellbeing. We need housing that is responsive to climate change and the energy transition, changing population demographics, and that supports socially connected and inclusive communities and incorporates First Nation people’s knowledge and experiences. Responding to these converging crises requires research solutions beyond individual academic disciplines.

This event explores the breadth of intersections between mental health/wellbeing and housing in the context of Australia’s five National Science Priorities, showcasing research on Building a Secure and Resilient Nation, Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems, Supporting Healthy and Thriving Communities, Protecting and Restoring Australia's Environment and Transitioning to a Net Zero Future. This event provides an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, activists and civil society to learn about current research, to further develop interdisciplinary opportunities and be part of future housing and mental health/wellbeing solutions.

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Host or Publisher Deakin Science and Society Network