Topic Tuesday // What is mental health reform and why is it important for you // Feb 14, 7-9pm AEDT

@matsionoah totally agree. All here already know where the gaps in the system are. Just ask us - it isn't that hard. We don't need more words - we actually need action - legislative reform and a system that actually addresses the needs of ALL people in society with MI. Nothing will change until the TALK at the higher levels stops and action actually begins. We can tell our stories as much as we are able but if they are not truly listened to then there will be no change!

Thanks @matsionoah, one of our criticisms of the draft plan was that it was just words - no targets, no monitoring, no meny, no one held accountable for doing anything.

We hope that will change in the next draft

I do think the values se3ction is also good -= but again, just words. We need to turn it into action!

---

@FrankGQuinlan wrote:

so sorry for your experience @Phoenix_Rising

earing stories like yours drives me and my staff to work even hard - we have to do better.

As hard as it is for you (and I hear that!) it is also so important that these stories are told.

Unless we shine a light in the darkness things will never change. You are one of the pioneers, and I thank you for your efforts 🙂

---

@FrankGQuinlan Thank you for saying that, Frank. That is exactly why I am sitting here engaging in this conversation even though it is super hard because talking about this stuff triggers the big feelings that make my inside hurt. However, if I can in some tinsy tiny way make things better for others, then that will help me to have a sense of meaning. I know I can never "un-experience" what I have experienced, I can only do my tiny bit to work towards ensuring future generations don't have to go through the same thing.

all great suggestions @Zoe7 - and SANE have put these forums together on a shoe string - and yet they can do so much!

I agree about getting services to the front line - spending on things that work - but we also need to keep researching.

Perhaps we could focus better on research unsolved probelms and new solutions - like peer workforce - rather than going over old ground over and over again...?

@FrankGQuinlan ? Perhaps a clinical goverance framework dedicated to mental health services at a health district level would help accountability and performance indicators. The real reporting lines go back through staff that aren't specialised in mental health. Translational research grants vs research in lab environment with control trials would be useful. Yes we need action, alot of work and great vision to make revolution in mental health care. We do need in the meantime, to remember where we have come from and celebrate the improvements when they occur to our system.

---

@FrankGQuinlan wrote:

Thanks @matsionoah, one of our criticisms of the draft plan was that it was just words - no targets, no monitoring, no meny, no one held accountable for doing anything.

We hope that will change in the next draft

I do think the values se3ction is also good -= but again, just words. We need to turn it into action!

---

Hi everyone - we have about 30 mins left tonight.

@FrankGQuinlan - I know it's a priority for you and Mental Health Australia to have people with experiences with mental health and illness involved in consultation.

Can you suggest some ways for people to get involved and advocate for an improved MH system?

in other areas of life consumers (patients as you say @MMHReal ) have a choice.

Perhaps thats an answer here. if people had real choice, bad services would collapse and good servcies would thrive

Give the coice to the people!

I hope you do find people you can trust again - the system has many good people in it, trying to do their best.

@Former-Member I totally agree with you!!!! The only reason I am able to see a psychologist at the moment is that my sessions are being funded through the NSW victims of crime program. I don't know what state you are in, but here in NSW anyone who has been a victim of crime can get 22 funded sessions. There are also further provisions for anyone who went before the Royal Commission into institutional childhood abuse. Given the nature of some of my muddle, I have been told I will be able to get ongoing funded sessions. It seems that a lot of people aren't aware of this program. I only learnt of it when I went before the Royal Commission. I don't know if other states have similar programs.