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Mental Health

Mental Health

 

The Aim of the Mental Health Program at GPNSW is to:

  • Provide a platform and support  for the implementation  and ongoing management of the Australian Government’s Primary Mental Health Care Programs;
  • Develop strategic links & partnerships at  State and  National levels; and
  • Provide general practice input into relevant state and national planning initiatives.

 

Activities

  • Coordinate quarterly regional teleconferences between Mental Health Program Officers and relevant Area Health Staff
  • Coordinate 6 monthly  State Update Meetings to inform Mental Health Program Officers of new initiatives
  • Visit all NSW Divisions on an annual basis  and provide feedback to DoHA on issues of concern
  • Work to improve integration between NSW Health and National Mental Health initiatives

  

Council of Australian Governments National Plan on Mental Health 2006-11

The Plan aims to improve mental health and facilitate recovery from illness through a greater focus on promotion, prevention and early intervention; improved access to mental health services, including in indigenous and rural communities; more stable accommodation and support; and meaningful participation in recreational, social, employment and other activities in the community. Improving the care system will involve a focus on better coordinated care and building workforce capacity.

 

Outcomes of this Plan

The National Action Plan is directed at achieving four outcomes:

  1. Reducing the prevalence and severity of mental illness in Australia
  2. Reducing the prevalence of risk factors that contribute to the onset of mental illness and prevent longer term recovery
  3. Increasing the proportion of people with an emerging or established mental illness who are able to access the right health care and other relevant community services at the right time, with a particular focus on early intervention; and
  4. Increasing the ability of people with a mental illness to participate in the community, employment, education and training, including through an increase in access to stable accommodation.

The National Action Plan

 
To find out more information about  the Mental Health Program,  please contact  Meg Bennett at General Practice NSW on 02 9239 2900 or email megbennett@gpnsw.com.au or Dora Tomaras, doratomaras@gpnsw.com.au

 

Useful websites:
http://www.copmi.net.au/jsp/copmi_programs/index.jsp