When it comes to the mental health of our rural communities, tele-health and mobile van services are an excellent supplement to our health system. However, factors such as community trust can impact on the effectiveness of these innovative approaches to mental and physical health care.

Senator Rachel Siewert has been in Parliament for over fourteen years, building up a vast portfolio in Family and Community Services, Ageing, Mental Health and First Nations Issues. As Chair of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee from 2009, Rachel has brought to light landmark issues such as; suicide prevention, hearing health, income inequality, forced adoptions and out of home care.

In relation to rural mental health, Rachel is a strong advocate for communities driving change for long-term sustainable solutions.

Listen in to episode 17 as Rachel discusses the challenges and opportunities facing rural mental health, as well as the importance of putting basic tools in the hands of the community.