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The 3rd Annual National Mental Health Conference in November 2015 has been a great success.
A comprehensive 2 day program welcomed 25 high-calibre speakers with a vast range of knowledge and experience of the mental health sector, including keynote presentations from David Butt, CEO & Commissioner for the National Mental Health Commission and John Feneley, Commissioner for the Mental Health Commission of NSW.
Discussions focussed around the complexity of the mental health system and the various challenges of coordinating an individual’s support and care. The National Disability Insurance Scheme, including its implementation, eligibility criteria and current progress was discussed together with personal accounts from carers and service providers who have experienced the NDIS in the trial sites. Their presentations provided advice, support and preparedness for those who are yet to embark on the journey. Community mental health programs and accounts from the Partners in Recovery programs highlighted the importance of strengthening the sector and its services to advocate and provide person centred care and support for individuals with a mental illness and their families and carers.
On day two, the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding the Government’s mental health reform package was streamed live at the conference. You can view the media release from The Honourable Sussan Ley MP by clicking here.
Top challenges facing the industry in the next 6-12 months were highlighted by attendees as:
- NDIS
- Sector reform
- Broadening scope from mental health into disability
- Moving our organisation into the NDIS while maintaining the integrity of our service
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
- Workforce – keeping and attracting skilled and qualified staff
- Community sector development
- Adapting to new funding arrangements
View presentations from the 3rd Annual National Mental Health Conference 2015
[slideshare id=55487587&doc=martindugganibmwatsonhealth-151125012720-lva1-app6891]
Feedback from the 2015 conference included:
“The highlights for me were the discussions around primary health intervention, as well as advocacy and eligibility for the NDIS”
“Really positive to hear the lived experience accounts”
“Great couple of days and I enjoyed the variety of subjects discussed”
“Excellent speakers overall and I am pleased I came to the conference. I particularly enjoyed the presentations from David Butt and John Feneley”
“Highlights included hearing about successes in the sector, especially the Hunter’s positive outcomes from the NDIS”