NSW Mental Health Plan Worth National Reach
16 December 2014 at 9:54 am
Mental health charity SANE Australia says a newly released strategic plan for mental health in New South Wales should be adopted on a national level.
Sane says it strongly supports Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014 – 2024, which has been released by the NSW Mental Health Commission.
SANE Australia CEO Jack Heath described the report as a powerful piece of work that should be adopted at a national level.
“The plan takes a whole-of-government, whole-of-life and whole-of-community perspective.
It was developed by the commission through a year-long consultation process with more than 800 people who live with mental illness,” he said.
“The NSW Government has listened to people who live with mental illness, families and carers in their commitment to a new direction for mental health,” John Feneley, NSW Mental Health Commissioner said.
The strategic plan includes $115 million in new funding to a series of mental health initiatives.
“The changes announced begin to reorient our mental health system from one centred on hospitals to one where people can in nearly all circumstances receive appropriate support in the community,” Feneley said.
“Over time I would like to see responsibility for mental health support spread even more widely across Government portfolios and agencies.
“When we include social services, education, employment services and front-line responders such as police and paramedics in a comprehensive mental health response, we have the best opportunity of intervening early with support that wraps around people at the most challenging times of their lives, and prevents them falling through the cracks,” the Commissioner said.
“This report is borne of a deep-seated concern for the welfare of people affected by mental illness, a belief in their ability to lead full and productive lives with appropriate support, and an unwavering commitment to put in place the policies and programs that will have a positive effect on those so often left behind,” Sane’s Jack Heath said.
“We welcome the articulation of specific values to guide the formulation of policies and of the importance attributed to trauma informed practices and integrated service delivery. We support the clear and strong recommendation to government to shift the focus of mental health care from hospitals to the community,” Heath said.
To view a copy of the report go to Mental Health Commission of NSW website.
