Regional mental health plan released

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) have released the final version of a three-year plan to improve mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drug services in the region.

A draft version of the plan was released during Mental Health Month (October) for a four-week period of public consultation, with feedback received incorporated into the final document.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan: 2021-2024 has been in development since 2018.

“MPHN and the MLHD worked with local stakeholders, including clinicians, people with a lived experience, carers and community members to explore local issues, priorities and determine actions to include in the regional plan,” Ms Neal said.

“The plan will strengthen regional integration to support a more effective, person-centred service system, and help ensure resources are targeted to best respond to local mental health, suicide prevention, and drug and alcohol needs.

“I’d like to thank those members of the community who took the time to review the draft plan and provide feedback earlier this year. All feedback was carefully reviewed and incorporated where practicable into the plan.”

MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the Regional Plan had two key purposes.

“Firstly, it stands as an official document outlining the commitment of the region’s mental health, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol service providers and healthcare agencies to improving and strengthening coordination of services with a vision of a one-health system,” Ms Ludford said.

“This will be achieved through transformative and collaborative partnerships as organisations work together to implement actions on the ground to guide people in their journey and recovery.

“Secondly, it recognises the importance and value of listening and learning from people with lived experience. Their experience, whether as a consumer, carer or affected loved one, is critical to delivering the best possible supports.”

The development of the joint Regional Plan is a key component of the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments Health Council in August 2017.

To view the regional plan visit www.mphn.org.au/regional-plan.