Mental health Archives | South Western Sydney PHN

01 October 2026

October is Mental Health Month, an opportunity to think about our mental health and wellbeing and the small things we can do to support ourselves and the people around us.

This year’s Mental Health Month theme is A Little Connection Goes a Long Way.

Connecting with people, places and things which are meaningful to us can support our mental wellbeing – and connection doesn’t have to involve a big gesture.

It might be having a chat with a friend, saying hello to a neighbour, spending time with family, playing with a pet or getting involved in your local community.

Connection can also mean connecting with culture, Country or nature, or taking some quiet time to reconnect with yourself through a hobby or something you enjoy.

Small ways to connect this Mental Health Month

Everyone is different, and the ways we connect can be different too.

This October, consider trying something small:

send a message to someone you haven’t spoken to for a while
have a cup of tea or coffee with a friend
go for a walk with someone
spend some time outdoors
join a local group, activity or sporting club
make time for a hobby you enjoy
connect with your culture or community
check in with someone and ask how they’re going

Even a small moment of connection can be meaningful.

Connection can look different for everyone

For some people, connection might mean being surrounded by friends and family. For others, it could be spending time with one trusted person or enjoying some time alone.

There is no single right way to connect.

Finding people, places and activities which help you feel supported and connected can be an important part of looking after your mental wellbeing.

When you need some extra support

Sometimes talking to someone you trust can help. At other times, professional mental health support may be useful.

There are free mental health services available to people living in South Western Sydney.

Find mental health support in South Western Sydney

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

25 September 2026

Three new instructional videos are available to help health professionals and community workers recognise gambling harm, start conversations and use the Gambling Harm Screening Tool in everyday practice.

Developed by the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance Gambling Working Group, the videos provide practical guidance on how to introduce the screening tool, talk with patients and clients about gambling harm, and respond appropriately when concerns are identified.

The videos cover:

Recognising gambling harm, including common signs of harm and when to consider asking about gambling
Talking about gambling harm, including practical guidance for respectful, non-judgemental and culturally responsive conversations.
Using the Gambling Harm Screening Tool, including how to complete the screening, interpret results and identify appropriate next steps

Supporting earlier identification of gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect a person’s mental health, finances, relationships, work and social wellbeing, but it may not always be identified during a routine consultation.

The Gambling Harm Screening Tool provides GPs, health professionals and community workers with a structured approach to identifying gambling harm in people who gamble, as well as people affected by someone else’s gambling.

The tool combines two established approaches. The first section is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and helps identify the severity of gambling behaviours and related harm. The second uses the Concerned Others Gambling Screen (COGS) to identify people experiencing harm because of someone else’s gambling.

Using the screening tool alongside the new videos can help health professionals identify gambling harm earlier, have supportive conversations and connect people with appropriate support and referral options.

Responding to gambling harm in Fairfield City

Gambling harm was identified as a shared health priority for the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance following a local health needs assessment and community consultation in 2017 and remains a top priority for the alliance in 2026.

Gambling continues to have a significant impact in Fairfield. In 2026, Fairfield LGA had 3,822 active electronic gaming machines, while about $2.1 million was lost each day on poker machines. This is a substantial increase from about $1.455 million lost each day in 2019.

The community also faces several factors associated with an increased risk of gambling harm. Fairfield City is one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Greater Sydney and has one of Australia’s most culturally diverse populations, with almost 60 per cent of residents born overseas and 76 per cent speaking a language other than English at home.

These local and ongoing needs informed the development of the Gambling Harm Screening Tool to help health professionals and community workers identify gambling harm and connect people with appropriate support.

Watch videos now Access gambling harm tool

07 August 2026

The Credentialed Mental Health Nurse Service (CMHNS), commissioned by SWSPHN, is now delivered by two new service providers.

APMHA Healthcare ended service delivery on 31 July.

From 1 August, the CMHNS is delivered by

One Door Mental Health in Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Camden LGAs
Community Links Wellbeing in Wollondilly and Wingecarribee LGAs

The CMHNS provides psychological therapy and care coordination for people experiencing severe mental health issues which significantly impacts their day-to-day life.

The program provides support including:

regular reviewing of the client’s mental health and recovery goals
therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, mindfulness and motivational interviewing
administration and monitoring of medications
care coordination among care providers to ensure multidisciplinary support

The change was undertaken to support the continued delivery of the CMHNS across the South Western Sydney region.

Program details, including the referral process, have not changed.

Visit the SWSPHN What we do page for more information about eligibility and referral pathways.

24 July 2026

About 50 community members celebrated the launch of an online information hub designed for multicultural LGBTQ+ young people in South Western Sydney, at an event at Fairfield Connect on Friday, 3 July.

Pause with Primi was developed by the University of Sydney’s Nursing School, with funding from SWSPHN through the Australian Government’s Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention grants program.

It was co-designed with young people to improve mental health literacy and access to culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming information and support.

The launch attracted community members, researchers, clinicians, SWSPHN staff and representatives from youth, mental health, sexual health, multicultural and LGBTQ+ organisations, to learn about the project and hear from the young people involved.

It included an overview of the project’s journey, followed by a panel discussion and an interactive group activity where attendees worked through a mock scenario using the new platform to identify appropriate support services.

One of the most powerful moments of the event was hearing from young people reflecting on their experience of the co-design process. They spoke about feeling genuinely heard throughout the project, with almost all of their ideas incorporated into the final product.

Gauri, a youth consultant on the project, said: “Primi came from the idea of ‘primary’ or ‘first’. We wanted it to be a first point of contact for support, like a health hub should be”.

Vicky Xu, a clinical psychology registrar and research associate on the project, said young people’s involvement was central to ensuring the resource reflected their needs and experiences.

“A key need expressed by LGBTQ+ young people was to know that they are not alone and that support is available,” she said.

“Pause with Primi is a community-driven resource shaped by young people’s voices, creativity and lived experience. It provides a practical starting point for young people to find accurate mental health information, affirming support and connection with their communities.”

The Pause with Primi hub is now live and can be shared with young people, families, educators and service providers.

Read more about the project and explore the hub at www.pausewithprimi.au

New mental health resource launched to support multicultural LGBTQ+ young people

02 July 2026

If you are feeling down, stressed or overwhelmed, Medicare Mental Health Check In offers free digital support to guide you through life’s challenges.

The online service is for people aged 16 years and over who live in Australia. No referral or diagnosis is needed.

It offers early support before mental health challenges escalate, and helps you develop practical skills to manage anxiety and depression.

Get started

With a phone call Visit the website

With Medicare Mental Health Check In, you can choose to work through the online tools on your own or be connected with a qualified mental health practitioner.

self‑guided support allows you to work through the tools independently, anytime and anywhere, at your own pace
guided support offers additional support and allows you to work through the tools with a qualified mental health practitioner via telehealth. Guided support is delivered over several sessions. Each program takes around six weeks to complete

The service is flexible to support your needs, goals and preferences.

The focus is on small, manageable steps to help build confidence over time.

It helps you build the skills you need to manage everyday challenges like stress, trouble sleeping, worries and low mood.

Each program includes check-ins and activities which help you:

recognise and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns
manage strong emotions with practical, proven techniques
build self-awareness and coping skills for everyday challenges

Is this for me?

Medicare Mental Health Check In programs are designed for people who:

are starting to experience mental health challenges such as feeling down, anxious or overwhelmed
are aged 16 or older
live and are currently in Australia

The first step to accessing a program is to call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212, let them know you’re interested in Medicare Mental Health Check In, and speak to a trained professional.

They will help you determine if the service is right for you. If it isn’t right for you, they will help connect you with other appropriate supports.

Find out more

Free digital mental health support for life’s ups and downs

Take a step towards better wellbeing | Medicare Mental Health Check In

Information for health professionals

01 July 2026

Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new digital service which offers free evidence-based and confidential support to help people manage mild mental health challenges, like stress, anxiety and low mood.

As a form of early intervention support, it helps people build practical skills, confidence, and improve their mental health through Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT).

The service can support people by teaching skills to help them manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, helping with:
• facing fears
• lifting their moods
• managing worries
• finding solutions to problems
• sleeping well
• staying well
• balanced thinking

People work through the tools independently, and if they need support, they can choose to be guided by a qualified mental health practitioner via telehealth.

Qualified mental health practitioners are trained to deliver LiCBT.

They have qualifications as counsellors, social workers, psychologists, registered nurses and occupational therapists.

Who is Medicare Mental Health Check In for?

Medicare Mental Health Check In is a free service for people aged 16 and over living in Australia, with no GP referral or diagnosis needed.

You do not need to be an Australian citizen to access the service.

The service is most appropriate for mild or early-stage mental health challenges. It may suit people who are struggling in their day-to-day lives and would benefit from early support, rather than high-intensity care.

You can recommend Medicare Mental Health Check In to people showing mild mental health symptoms, such as low moods, anxiety, stress or feeling overwhelmed.

It is not suitable for moderate to severe mental illness or people in crisis, and it is not intended to replace clinical assessment, diagnosis or ongoing therapy for more complex or severe mental health conditions.

Video: Dr Walid Jammal explains the service

How your patients can access the service

Talk to your patients about the service and, if it’s appropriate for their needs, you can encourage them to call Medicare Mental Health (1800 595 212) or visit mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au for more information.

Medicare Mental Health will determine if Medicare Mental Health Check In is right for them. If it isn’t the right fit, they will be connected to a more suitable service, so they don’t have to repeat their story.

Download this poster for your waiting area

Translated resources

A range of translated resources about Medicare Mental Health Check In, including the consumer fact sheet and posters, are available via www.mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au/resources-other-languages.

Resources are available in 10 languages including: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Filipino, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.

A guide is available to support you in having conversations about mental health with people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Download the Health professionals guide

More information

To find out more about Medicare Mental Health Check In:
• visit mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au
• call 1800 595 212 (8.30am to 5pm weekdays excluding public holidays)

Download the health professional fact sheet Download the consumer fact sheet

Medicare Mental Health Check In is part of the broader Medicare Mental Health services, which includes:

• the national website (medicarementalhealth.gov.au)
• Medicare Mental Health phone service (1800 595 212)
• Medicare Mental Health Centres
• Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs

The service is funded by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia.

23 June 2026

Gambling can affect anyone.

If you need support to help yourself or someone you care about, GambleAware provides a range of support options depending on what you need.

This includes:

free and confidential gambling counselling, financial counselling and peer support services for people impacted by gambling and their loved ones
in-person support or support over the telephone when you call 1800 858 858
a counsellor who speaks your language or understands your culture. Interpreter services are available if needed.

Call 1800 858 858 24/7 or visit GambleAware, NSW, Australia – Free Support And Information

06 May 2026

South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local stakeholders to support the implementation of the South Western Sydney Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to 2030.

EOIs are open to people with lived and living experience of mental illness and/or suicide, along with GPs, allied health professionals and representatives from government and community organisations.

A commitment between SWSPHN and SWSLHD, developed in partnership with local consumers and stakeholders, the regional plan outlines a shared vision to strengthen collaboration across the region, improve access to care, and ensure services remain person-centred and culturally safe. The plan identifies 14 action areas to be delivered through coordinated, practical initiatives.

EOIs are now being sought for Steering Committee and working group membership. Interest can be expressed for both, however, individuals will be selected for either the Steering Committee or a working group.

Working groups will be established Iteratively and will be time-limited, depending on activity timeline and resourcing.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the implementation of the regional plan. This includes guiding governance, overseeing working groups, monitoring progress, and ensuring activities align with the plan’s vision, principles and objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

actively participating in meetings (initially monthly)
providing strategic direction, including guidance on priorities, resourcing and budgets
approving and overseeing activities progressed through working groups
monitoring progress against deliverables and managing risks and issues
ensuring the stepped care approach is embedded across planning and implementation

Working groups

Working groups will play a central role in implementing the actions of the plan, bringing together people with relevant expertise, sector knowledge, and lived or living experience to co-design and deliver priority actions.

An initial four working groups have been identified:

mental health promotion and prevention
integrated care and service pathways
workforce development and capacity building
digital innovation and technology

Working groups will be time-bound, convened as actions move into development or implementation and will operate only for the duration of those activities. Some initiatives may involve collaboration across multiple groups, and members may express interest in one or more groups depending on their expertise and availability.

Key responsibilities include:

attending meetings as convened
contributing to planning, co-design and implementation of actions
completing agreed tasks within set timeframes
maintaining up-to-date reporting and alignment with the direction of the Steering Committee
representing their organisation and contributing subject matter expertise
advocating for implementation and shared ownership of plan activities
collaborating with other working groups and local organisations

The plan builds on the previous regional plan, which concluded in 2025 following five years of collaboration and input from more than 200 stakeholders.

The next phase provides a clear roadmap to strengthen coordination across the region. By bringing together key stakeholders, the plan aims to support a more integrated, person-centred mental health system, with lived experience embedded in decision-making.

Stakeholders interested in contributing to the implementation of the plan are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by 12 June 2026.

For more information, contact Bella Starr at bella.starr@swsphn.com.au.

EOI now closed

05 May 2026

GPs and GP registrars in South Western Sydney are invited to register for the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration-accredited Mental Health Skills Training and/or Focused Psychological Strategies Skills Training.

SWSPHN is funding both levels of training which includes both online and face-to-face components, and will be delivered by The Black Dog Institute in May and July 2026.

To undertake the Level 2 Focused Psychological Strategies Skills Training, participants must first have completed the prerequisite course, Level 1 Mental Health Skills Training.

Important information about participation in the mental health skills training

Training is valued at $800 for each level, per participant.

All participants are required to pay a $200 refundable deposit via Mastercard or Visa for each level of training to confirm their registration (ie a $400 deposit to undertake both levels of training). SWSPHN will refund the deposit after participants have attended the training.

Please note, the deposit will be forfeited if you do not attend the event or if your registration is cancelled less than one month before the event.

To register and make payments, contact Ashleigh Budd by calling on 4632 3009. Spaces are limited and registrations will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please direct questions to primarycareworkforce@swsphn.com.au

Important note: this training is only for GPs and GP registrars practising in South Western Sydney.

05 May 2026

Leaders from across the health and community sectors gathered to celebrate the launch of the new Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plan, marking an important milestone for mental health collaboration across South Western Sydney.

Developed in partnership between South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), the plan sets the direction for the next five years of coordinated action to support people experiencing mental health challenges and those at risk of suicide.

The launch event brought together representatives from primary care, hospital services, community organisations and people with lived experience to highlight the importance of working together to improve mental health outcomes across the region.

The plan outlines shared priorities focused on improving access to care, strengthening integration between services and ensuring community needs remain at the centre of planning and delivery.

It builds on the foundations of the previous Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plan, which brought together primary care, hospital services and community organisations to strengthen coordination and improve outcomes for people across South Western Sydney.

The event also highlighted opportunities for continued collaboration across the health and community sectors, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating a more connected, responsive and person-centred mental health system for the region.

Find out more about the new Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention plan