Page 691 - Week 02 - Thursday, 20 February 2020
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Committee, consumers, carers and other stakeholders to collectively implement and evaluate existing plans as they relate to mental health and wellbeing, and to develop new plans (including the ACT Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan) to address mental health concerns and gaps in the system.
(4) The establishment of the Office and consequently the development of the Office work plan promotes strong community engagement, codesign and innovation, and supports the principles of ongoing evaluation and research to measure change in service system delivery and wellbeing.
The Office’s focus is on issues across the whole of Government and is collaborating closely with other agencies, including health services, primary care, housing and employment, community services, justice, police, education, and promote social inclusion. This holistic approach of looking at the mental health needs of the community by focusing on the social determinants of health and wellbeing will lead to a more streamlined and responsive mental health system and address the service gaps that consumers currently experience.
Mental health—community engagement
(Question No 2858)
Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Mental Health, upon notice, on 29 November 2019:
What work is the Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing doing to address widely held views in the community that the ACT’s mental health system is overly complex and difficult to navigate, with some mental health consumers “giving up” trying to access necessary services in a timely manner.
Mr Rattenbury: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
The Office for Mental Health work plan released in April 2019 has key deliverables that seek to address issues with access to services through promoting mental health, intervening early to reduce the impact of mental illness and reducing demand on services and promoting an integrated system that is accessible to people.
The Office has undertaken a review of children and young people’s mental health and is leading the development of a digital portal to assist and support young people to access appropriate and timely mental health care. Findings from this project will inform broader approaches to online and in person navigation supports. Funding for the development of the portal is from the Commonwealth Government.
The Office has also actively contributed to the development of the ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (The Plan) in partnership with the Capital Health Network, Canberra Health Services and peak mental health non-government organisations. The Plan which is due for release in early 2020 aims to deliver integrated and responsive services and whole of person care.
The Office has also developed strong partnerships with peak non-government organisations and continues to consult with the community to understand ongoing and emerging issues. The Office is leading a whole-of-government approach to integrating supports for people with complex support needs.
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