Opportunity to provide feedback on draft mental health plan

To mark the beginning of World Mental Health Month, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) have released a draft three-year plan to improve mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drug services in the region, which is now open for public consultation.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan: 2021-2024 is available now for community members to review and provide feedback.

“Over the next four weeks, members of the public will be able to provide feedback on the plan, before a final version is prepared later this year,” Ms Neal said.

“The plan has been in development since the beginning in 2018 when 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.

“Once finalised 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 encourage community members, people with lived experience and health professionals with an interest in mental health, suicide prevention and alcohol and other drugs to review the draft plan and provide your thoughts on what else should be considered ahead of the plan being finalised.”

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.

Feedback on the draft Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan: 2021-2024 must be received by Thursday, 29 October 2020. To view the draft plan and provide feedback visit www.mphn.org.au/regional-plan.