"Mental Health Consumer and Carer engagement/information"

I came to live in Albany with my adult child who has had numerous involuntary contacts with mental health services over many years.

Recently in Mental Health Week 2017 I picked up a CAG (Client Advisory Group) package of information for consumers and carers. This package was widely available on stalls in the community throughout Mental Health Week.  I  was surprised to find that 4 pamphlets were related to the 1996 Mental Health Act and the information about involuntary admission and rights , contact details and names of services were 2 years out of date and no acknowledgement of the 2014 Mental Health Act. The contact details for CAG were also out of date.

I think this highlights the need for a new vision locally in meeting the accreditation criteria of engaging with consumers and carers in accordance with WA health Service policy and the Mental Health Comission engagement policies.

I believe Bunbury have been assisted to develop an independent CAG where they have WACHS (Western Australia Country Health) approval and CHORUS (Community First Support.)

Carers and Consumers in the Great Southern need to have access and education about changes in the Mental Health System, the services available and the more contemporary approaches to Mental Health Care.

The precedent in Bunbury seems an appropriate model for a rejuvenation of the Consumer and Carer Advisory Group in the Great Southern Mental Health.

Future plans