Page 690 - Week 02 - Thursday, 20 February 2020

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The findings from the three workshops and the online survey were thematically analysed to inform the Office Work Plan for 2019-2021 and to develop the ACT vision for mental health and wellbeing. The following themes for the work plan were identified through the community engagement:

Theme one - Community wide mental health and wellbeing approaches

There was strong support for prevention and early support activities to maintain people’s wellbeing.

Nearly 30% of respondents to Your Say commented on the need for greater information, resources and knowledge on staying mentally well, building resilience or how to get help to access the right information and support when needed.

Children and young people were identified as a high priority.

Theme two – Assistance for people experiencing or impacted by mental health concerns

There is also strong support for improving capacity and accessibility of supports for people experiencing mental health concerns or mental illness.

The need to focus on the social determinants of health and how to support people and their carers holistically was emphasised.

Feedback identified the need to support carers in their carer role and for carer wellbeing.

Theme three – Mental health service system and workforce

Nearly 25% of respondents to Your Say identified the need for more connected and integrated services.

A further priority was workforce development including greater training and skills in trauma informed care.

The need for empathic supportive, accessible services was also highlighted in responses.

(2) The outcomes have been published through the Office work plan and are available on the Office website. The Office formally launched the work plan at an afternoon tea for the consumers, carers, non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders who participated in the co-design workshops and other engagement activities. Through the afternoon tea, the Office was able to disseminate key findings and to also celebrate the codesigned work plan and the territory-wide vision for mental health and wellbeing. The work plan has also been printed and distributed widely.

In addition, the Office developed a ‘What We Heard’ report which is available on the ACT Government YourSay website. The outcomes were also discussed and provided to peak non-government organisations for use across the community sector. The Office has also briefed relevant ministers and the opposition.

(3) Under the themes in the work plan, key deliverables were identified which enhance change processes already underway and identify further priority areas for the Office. One of the key deliverables was the Children & Young People Review which is now complete. The findings of this review including recommendations to support children and young people will be made available early 2020.

The Office will continue to work closely with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Inter-Directorate Committee, Peak Mental Health Non-Government Organisation


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