Background Nepean Blue Mountains PHN Consumer and Carer Mental Health Team Expression of Interest Wentworth Healthcare Limited (WHL) is a not-for-profit organisation which works to improve the health of communities in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith. Its mission is to empower local general practice and other healthcare professionals to offer high-quality, accessible and integrated primary healthcare that meets the needs of these communities. Since 1 July 2015 WHL has operated the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN), which encompasses the four local government areas (LGAs) of Lithgow, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith. There are a total of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across Australia that are funded by the Australian Government. Their key objectives are to: increase the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improve the coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. Mental Health Reform In November 2015 the Australian Government initiated a major reform of the mental health system across Australia, to be implemented over a three year period. Of particular interest and importance is the role that PHNs are assigned to carry out, through locally planned and commissioned mental health services. The stepped care framework is essential to the planning and commissioning of new services. In this framework a person presenting to the mental health system is matched to the intervention level that is most suited to their current needs. The stepped care model will see varying levels of primary care treatment and support depending on the individual s need which could be the well population, at risk group, mild, moderate, or severe/complex rather than the one-size-fits-all approach. System changes will support this stepped care model to ensure that appropriate regional services are available across the continuum.
PHNs will commission services against the following priorities within the stepped care approach: low intensity (coaching type) mental health services for people who need support but do not need full psychological therapy interventions for children and youth at risk of or with a mental illness service gaps in psychological therapies for hard to reach groups e.g. women with perinatal depression, homeless, CALD and Aboriginal people clinical care coordination for people with severe and complex mental illness who are managed in primary care a regional approach to suicide prevention in the community enhanced and better integrated mental health care and suicide prevention for Aboriginal people. Definitions Consumer: someone with lived experience of mental health problems, who has used, or is using, mental health services. Carer: someone who provides, or has provided, ongoing unpaid support to a person with mental health problems. Consumer and carer participation: participation in formal or informal planning, delivery, implementation and evaluation of all activities associated with mental health services, and all processes which affect the lives of consumers and carers, through sharing of information, opinions, and decision making power (NCCF Consumer and Carer Participation Policy 2004). The role of the Consumer and Carer Mental Health Team The Consumer and Carer Mental Health Team will assist NBMPHN by providing advice on the planning and design of strategies concerning mental health and suicide prevention services in the region. It is not a peer support group; its main purpose is to influence mental health system reform and co-design new services in the region. (For local support groups please visit our directory at www.mentalhealthhelp.com.au.) Your involvement We are looking to appoint a diverse range of community members with lived experience of mental health issues, as a mental health consumer or carer (or both). If this describes you, and you are keen to contribute to improved mental health care in your community, then we invite you to express your interest by completing the attached form. 2
Process After receiving your application we will send an acknowledgement within three days. Applications will then be reviewed by a NBMPHN staff member, and de-identified copies will be reviewed by current Mental Health Regional Development Team members. Depending on the number of applications we receive we may contact you to arrange a meeting in person, before advising all applicants of the outcome of their applications. Due Date Applications are due by Thursday 10 th November. Commitment Mental Health Team meetings will be held face-to-face, with teleconference facilities available for those who can t attend in person. Meetings will held monthly, with special meetings convened as required. They will be approximately 2 hours in duration, with pre-meeting reading sometimes required. The minimum expected commitment to the Team is 12 months. Meeting locations and times will be decided following applicant feedback. Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses NBMPHN will offer a volunteer reimbursement of $50 per meeting attended, to cover travel or other out-of-pocket expenses. Reporting NBMPHN will support communication between Team members, ensuring that meeting minutes are made available and out-of-session discussions are facilitated as needed. Applications You are invited to express your interest in becoming a Mental Health Team representative by completing the attached application form, and returning it by email or post to: Ms Janice Peterson Community Engagement Coordinator Partners In Recovery Nepean Blue Mountains PHN Email: janice.peterson@nbmphn.com.au or Post: Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751 If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call Janice during business hours on 02 4708 8179 (Wednesday to Friday). 3
Application Form All information provided on this form will remain private and confidential. Title: Mr Mrs Miss Ms First Name: Address: Suburb: Phone (H): Email: Last Name: Postcode: Phone (M): Please select the Local Government Area in which you live: Penrith Hawkesbury Blue Mountains Lithgow How many years have you lived in this region (approximately)? Please select the groups that you identify with or have an interest in based on your experience: Consumer Yes No Carer Yes No Youth services Yes No Aged care services Yes No Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Yes No Cultural and linguistically diverse Yes No LGBTI Yes No Suicide prevention Yes No Drug and alcohol Yes No Mental Health Stepped Care Model Well population At risk group Additional comments Mild mental illness Moderate mental illness Severe mental illness When would you prefer to meet? During business hours After hours No preference 4
All questions are optional. Please only provide information that you are comfortable with sharing with the selection panel in support of your application. 1. Please outline your interest in becoming a Mental Health Team representative: 2. Based on your lived experience what would you like to share or contribute: 3. Please provide any further information about your experience with mental health services: 5
4. Please provide details of any skills/experience that would support your application to be a representative (training may be offered): 5. Please list any other consumer/carer groups, community organisations or volunteer groups you are or have been associated with that may be relevant: Signature: Date: Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mental Health Team representative. We will confirm receipt of your application within 3 business days. 6