ReachOut.com welcomes Living Well NSW mental health plan
- Last updated: 17 December 2014
17 December 2014
ReachOut.com today welcomed the release of the NSW Mental Health Commission’s Living Well: Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW and the NSW Government’s commitment to increased investment in mental health.
The Living Well plan signals a transformation in the NSW mental health system that responds to the need for a diverse range of services by focussing on prevention and providing different levels of care.
“We need an integrated continuum of care for all Australians. Today, the NSW Government and the NSW Mental Health Commission have made a remarkable step toward achieving that,” said Jono Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut.com.
The strategy also recognises that a 21st century mental health system must incorporate help that is free, safe and practical.
“Young people’s mental health remains one of the greatest challenges of our time, and this strategy lays new groundwork for making services more accessible and effective for young people,” Nicholas added.
“The NSW Government should also be commended for its endorsement of the Living Well strategy, and the commitment to invest a further $115 million into mental health services in the State.
The Living Well plan incorporates recommendations for better use of technology in the mental health system. The recommendations build on our Crossroads research in partnership with EY, and recognise the role of technologies in improving mental health care for young people.
“The Living Well plan’s recommendation to improve online access to care can significantly increase the efficiency and reach of our mental health system," Nicholas said.
“Young people will benefit profoundly from the better use of technologies in mental health care, especially those unable or uncomfortable to access face to face care.”
ReachOut.com is also proud to have worked in partnership with the Commission to consult young people from NSW through online forums, which informed the Living Well Project.
ReachOut.com is a Living Well Champion, proudly supporting the release of the report. Show your support for today’s news by sharing what Living Well means to you - #LivingWellNSW
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