A ground breaking collaborative is being formed to tap into the community and more effectively identify and respond to the Wide Bay's mental health, alcohol and drug needs.
Open forums were held recently in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Gayndah to consult with consumers, carers and service providers before the Wide Bay Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Collaborative starts operating from July onwards.
The collaborative is being led by Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) and Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network (PHN).
Expressions of interest are now invited from individuals seeking to be a member of the strategic collaborative.
PHN Wide Bay Area Manager Tracey Warhurst said it was important for key healthcare organisations to work together and consult with the community to develop a responsive, evidence-based approach to improving mental health, alcohol and other drugs healthcare systems in the Wide Bay region.
"We know mental health is an issue for this region and we're taking steps to make sure we're giving rural and regional communities a voice and an opportunity to tell us what they feel they need and will benefit from most," Ms Warhurst said.
"Our role is to identify areas of high health needs, and to ensure that our communities can receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
"Mental health and wellbeing is a priority, and we will continue to commission local service providers to deliver these services, along with expanding mental health and suicide prevention programs with a local focus in mind." To read more click here.
The 17th International Mental Health Conference; Guiding the Change will be held at the brand new Sea World Resort Conference Centre on the Gold Coast, QLD from the 11 -12 August 2016.
This conference will bring together leading clinical practitioners, academics, service providers and mental health experts to deliberate and discuss Mental Health issues confronting Australia and New Zealand.
The conference program will be designed to challenge, inspire, demonstrate and encourage participants while facilitating discussion. To register your attendance at the conference CLICK HERE.
The 2016 Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium; working together integrating care will be held at Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, NSW from 3-4 November 2016.
CLICK HERE to express your interest in the conference.
This symposium will bring together leading clinical practitioners, academics, service providers and mental health experts to deliberate and discuss Rural Mental Health issues confronting Australia and New Zealand. The symposium program will be designed to challenge, inspire, demonstrate and encourage participants while facilitating discussion.
