2021-04-15
The ACT’s Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing has been found to have an excellent reputation – offering credible leadership, delivering early success, and on track to drive positive change across the Territory’s mental health system – according to a progress review.
The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Mid-Term Review considered the office’s model, its key achievements to date and heard directly from key stakeholders and community members about its value.
The review received community feedback through surveys, interviews and meetings with key stakeholders. It found that the office was filling a critical gap by pursuing system integration and systemic quality improvements in the ACT, which should in the longer term contribute to better mental health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.
Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson said the review, which is a commitment in the office’s workplan, was guided by a reference group consisting of government and non-government representatives from the mental health sector.
“The review shows that stakeholders believe the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing is already driving real change and support for Canberrans. Importantly, the office was found to have a holistic approach to ensure the community is engaged through co-design so we can deliver the best possible support across our communities,” Minister Davidson said.
“The office aims to be an influencer and a change agent. It’s wonderful to see the report found that key stakeholders already have confidence in the office to create a better normal for the ACT’s mental health system.
“While I recognise that this journey has only just begun and we still have a lot of work ahead of us, I commend the Coordinator General, Dr Elizabeth Moore, and the office’s staff for their progress and achievements so far. I look forward to continuing on the great work of my predecessor Shane Rattenbury and supporting the office build upon its early momentum and continue strengthening Canberra’s mental health system.”
The review found that the office has already driven impact through:
- Genuine community engagement and a commitment to collaboration and co-design
- Leadership and bringing people together to facilitate conversations, information exchange and coordinated action
- Securing Commonwealth funding
- Delivering projects such as Lifespan
- Strengthening the ACT’s voice at nationally
- Providing bespoke advice
Coordinator General, Dr Elizabeth Moore, welcomed the report and looked forward to addressing its key recommendations.
“The feedback and recommendations will support the office to continue to develop its model and fulfill the role needed to achieve the vision for mental health in the ACT of a kind, connected and informed community working together to promote and protect the mental health and wellbeing of all,” Dr Moore said.
The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Mid-Term Review can be found here: https://health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/data-and-publications/reports