Mental health Archives | Page 6 of 23 | South Western Sydney PHN

27 May 2024

Victim-survivors shared stories of their recovery journeys and what gives them hope, at this month’s official launch of the Supporting Recovery from Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in Liverpool.

Delivered by CatholicCare Sydney and Anglicare Sydney, the Supporting Recovery program addresses the critical need for comprehensive support services for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) in our region.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has funded South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) and five other PHNs, to deliver the $67 million Supporting Recovery pilot program.

The program aims to address the current FDSV mental health recovery service gaps by offering long-term recovery support which complements existing short-term and crisis support programs.

SWSPHN Amy Price speaking at the Supporting Recovery launch — SWSPHN Director of Planning and Performance, Amy Prince speaking at the Supporting Recovery launch.

SWSPHN Director of Planning and Performance, Amy Prince, spoke during the event about the urgency and importance of the program for our region.

“In South Western Sydney last year, unfortunately, there were around 5,200 domestic violence-related assault offences. The areas of Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield have the highest representation, but we know many more cases go unreported,” she said.

“Last year, SWSPHN had the opportunity to apply for grant funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver the Supporting Recovery program. We were one of just six PHNs selected, and we are so grateful to be able to bring this service into South Western Sydney, as we know it’s very much needed here.

“I’m really proud to be part of an organisation that’s been able to fund this service, and I really look forward to seeing the program achieve positive outcomes for victim-survivors in our region.”.

The Supporting Recovery program is designed to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for victim-survivors of FDSV.

Panel at the Supporting Recovery launch — Panel discussion at the Supporting Recovery launch

One of the panellists emphasised the significant positive impact of programs like the Supporting Recovery program.

“I’m living in recovery from complex PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) from generational trauma, so I believe passionately that domestic violence services like this one are vital for the safety and healing of those of us trying to live and heal from domestic and sexual violence,” the panellist told the crowd.

“I have hope because I get to talk to people about these things. When I was growing up, we didn’t have the words for it.”

Attendees also heard from a First Nations person and survivor advocate about providing cultural safety and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander FDSV victim-survivors.

“You need to remember it takes a lot for Aboriginal people to be able to trust other services and people because of their past history. It’s about active listening, so use your approach as a yarning rather than talking across or to someone,” the crowd was told.

“It’s about having that understanding about us, making us feel safe so we can open up to you because we will very rarely ask for help from anyone unless it’s really necessary.”

Werriwa MP Anne Stanley at the Supporting Recovery launch

Werriwa MP Anne Stanley was also in attendance at the launch event on behalf of Emma McBride, the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

“This pilot comes at a time when family and domestic violence is reaching a boiling point in our society, and it’s about time it has come to the national spotlight,” she said.

Find out more about the program

If you are currently experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence and need crisis support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000.

22 May 2024

What does the mental health services landscape in South Western Sydney look like today – and how will we meet the expected increase in demand over the next decade?

That was the focus of South Western Sydney Primary Health Network’s (SWSPHN) Mental Health Needs Assessment undertaken with insights from health professionals and community members throughout the region. The results, released earlier this year, revealed a range of key challenges and priorities both today and into the future to meet the mental health needs of our community.

Participants at one of our Local Health Forums last year which focused on mental health.

They included: engaging with community leaders to convey key messages; increasing advertising; and improving targeted training for primary health care providers.

Participants with professional or lived experience were approached by SWSPHN during a six-month consultation process.

The objectives were: to understand mental health service projections; define vulnerable groups under-serviced by the Medicare Better Access initiative; understand the barriers and enablers to accessing mental health services; identify workforce experience and skills gaps; and identify opportunities to improve mental health services across South Western Sydney.

Methods for information gathering included Local Health Forums (87 attendees), online surveys (completed by 62 community members and 27 mental health professionals) and structured interviews with 19 mental health professionals from the region.

An extensive review of literature, health data and SWSPHN commissioned provider activity was undertaken to complete the report.

Focus areas of the local health forums included barriers and challenges, opportunities for access, service navigation, care coordination, co-morbidity support and key priorities.

For mental health professionals, the focus was on: underserviced groups; access barriers; care coordination; workforce experience and skills gaps; service provision barriers and perceptions of SWSPHN commissioned services.

In 2023-24, Campbelltown had the highest predicted prevalence of mental illness compared to other areas (mild 8 per cent, moderate 5 per cent and severe 2.6 per cent respectively).

The needs assessment identified several opportunities for mental health system improvement in South Western Sydney. Key priorities included:

Priority 1: Enhancing community engagement and knowledge of mental health services by engaging with community leaders to convey key messages; increasing advertising and promotional material; and improving HealthPathways targeted training for primary care providers.
Priority 2: Developing the mental health workforce capacity by upskilling GPs in key areas; establishing a SWSPHN-led webinar series to support primary care workers; and building capacity in the mental health workforce to improve accessibility.
Priority 3: Improving care coordination and discharge planning by implementing an effective system; facilitating multi-disciplinary case conferences with GPs and mental health providers; and establishing inter-agency meetings to improve service awareness.
Priority 4: Enhancing funding to improve accessibility to services such as early intervention and prevention programs in schools; increased services to support those experiencing a traumatic event; and improved service provider collaboration to support patient connection to services.
Priority 5: Improving the SWSPHN mental health intake process and increasing follow-ups for vulnerable patients.

Download the report

16 May 2024

People who have experienced family, domestic or sexual violence can now seek help from a new South Western Sydney PHN-funded service which aims to provide victim-survivors with access to services to support their long-term recovery.

Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney began service delivery of the key mental health component of the Supporting Recovery from Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program earlier this month.

SWSPHN is one of six PHNs across the country funding services as part of the $67 million Department of Health and Aged Care program.

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said the new service was not for people in crisis, but for those needing access to longer term recovery and healing support.

“This program aims to fill a gap in services for victim-survivors of family, domestic or sexual violence. Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney will work with existing services which provide short-term and crisis support, to ensure the thousands of people affected by domestic violence-related assault in our region have every support they need to get back on their feet.”

Anglicare Chief Executive Community and Mission, Andrew Ford, said Anglicare had worked alongside victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence across a wide range of communities for many years.

“That experience shows us again and again the journey toward healing and recovery can take time,” he said.

“We are committed to delivering culturally appropriate services which have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, which are accessible, inclusive and available at no cost for a period up to two years. These are the long-term supports which are crucial to supporting victim-survivors in their journey to recovery.”

CatholicCare Sydney Executive Director of Children and Family Services, Kate Dover, said it took enormous courage to seek support.

“We also know that one size does not fit all when it comes to navigating the complex intersections faced by victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence,” she said.

“The Supporting Recovery program is about providing tailored and ongoing support to each individual to find a way to heal and thrive.”

“CatholicCare Sydney has a long-standing presence in South Western Sydney, with strong community ties and we are committed to providing the trauma support this community desperately needs.”

There were about 5,200 domestic violence-related assault offences across South Western Sydney from July 2022 to June 2023 (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research).

Services are initially being delivered from hubs based in the Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield communities due to higher rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in those local government areas (LGAs).

However, services may be expanded across Bankstown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs based on need and demand.

The Supporting Recovery program includes access to:

a Local Care Team to help clients coordinate and manage their recovery journey, including connecting clients with a range of other services such as legal, financial and housing supports
trained psychologists, social workers and counsellors who specialise in providing trauma-informed and client-centred mental healthcare
holistic, culturally appropriate mental health services which are available at no cost for a period up to two years

Clients do not need a doctor’s referral. They can access the service by calling 1300 316 554 or going online and completing a self-referral.

Local Care Teams which provide assessment, case management and care coordination are another key component of the program. SWSPHN is in the process of commissioning a supplier to deliver the LCT component of the program in South Western Sydney.

The Supporting Recovery program was officially launched at a special event a Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on Wednesday, 1 May.

Find out more about the Supporting Recovery program by:

visiting supportingrecovery.org.au
downloading flyer

15 May 2024

South Western Sydney residents will benefit from a boost in funding for additional Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and a network of new Medicare Mental Health Centres – two of the standout commitments from last night’s Federal Budget.

In handing down the government’s third budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said overall spending on health and aged care in 2024-25 would be $146.1 billion, including investments to strengthen Medicare ($2.8 billion), deliver cheaper medicines ($4.3 billion) and invest in a fit and healthy Australia ($1.3 billion).

The government committed $227 million in last night’s budget to increase the number of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics by 29 to 87, enabling more patients to receive fully-bulk billed urgent care from GPs or nurses in more locations.

A $361 million boost over four years to the range of free mental health services was also announced, including funding for 61 walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres, building on the established Head to Health network. The centres will provide free, walk-in access to a psychologist or psychiatrist for adults with complex and high mental health needs.

This investment includes funding Primary Health Networks to work in partnership with general practice to provide mental health nurses and other allied health workers, for free wraparound care and support to patients with complex needs, in between GP and specialist appointments.

South Western Sydney PHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said the bolstering of access to bulk-billed services both through Urgent Care Clinics and new mental health measures was welcome at a time when the cost of living was impacting access to healthcare.

Dr McDonald said the Australia Bureau of Statistics found the proportion of people who reported delaying or not going to a GP due to the cost grew from 7 per cent 2022-23 compared to 3.5 per cent in 2021-22.

“South Western Sydney was lucky enough to benefit from the opening of a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) at Campbelltown Medical and Dental last December,” he said.

“The UCC has made it easier for local residents to access free, high quality care from highly trained GPs and nurses, while freeing up emergency departments to focus on life threatening emergencies,’’ he said.

“We’re looking forward to future announcements about the expansion of the network to additional sites across our region.”

Other announcements of note in last night’s budget include:

$91.1 million to boost the supply of healthcare in areas of shortage, including Primary Health Networks supporting health services at risk of closing.
$882.2 million to ensure older people get the medical support they need. This includes funding to upskill the residential aged care workforce and provide virtual care services, and deliver complex care for older people outside of the hospital.
From 1 August 2024, people in residential aged care will be more likely to receive quality and continuous care from a GP, with GPs and practices eligible to receive quarterly incentive payments, on top of Medicare rebates, to manage the health of their MyMedicare registered residents.
$1.4 billion to upgrade technology systems and digital infrastructure across the aged care sector in preparation for the new Aged Care Act.
$38.8 million for people aged 45 to 49 to join already eligible 50 to 74-year-olds in screening for bowel cancer by requesting a free test kit.
$598.9 million for the continuation of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program to enable vaccinations to prevent severe COVID-19 disease.
$588.5 million over eight years for a national low intensity digital mental health service, which is free of charge and free of need for referral.
$35.9 million over four years to extend terminating mental health measures, to enhance the delivery of mental health and suicide prevention services and to provide greater funding certainty for service providers. $21 million of this will fund the PHN Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) for 2024-25.
Indexation on Medicare Benefits Schedule rebates is expected to deliver almost $900 million in additional benefits in 2024-25. This is on top of around $940 million in additional Medicare benefits already delivered in 2023-24.
Students in nursing, midwifery and social work will benefit from the establishment of a Commonwealth Prac Payment. This will support them while they undertake mandatory placements required for higher education and vocational education and training qualifications. Eligible students will be able to access $319.50 per week during their clinical and professional placement periods.

07 May 2024

You in Mind’s Steady Steps: Anxiety and Trauma Recovery program is for people impacted by recent distressing events.

The group, facilitated by ProActive Psychology, will run via telehealth. It starts on Wednesday, 22 May, from 12pm to 1pm.

The free six-week support program aims to guide participants through these tough times, offering strategies and support to help them manage anxiety and regain their footing.

Find out more/register

30 April 2024

Your patients can now access a new program which supports people who have experienced family, domestic or sexual violence to connect with services to assist with their long-term recovery.

Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney began service delivery of the key mental health component of the SWSPHN-funded Supporting Recovery from Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program in April.

The program officially launched at the Casula Powerhouse in Liverpool on 1 May.

However, services may be expanded across Bankstown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs based on need and demand.

The Supporting Recovery program includes access to:

a Local Care Team to help clients coordinate and manage their recovery journey, including connecting clients with a range of other services such as legal, financial and housing supports
trained psychologists, social workers and counsellors who specialise in providing trauma-informed and client-centred mental healthcare
holistic, culturally appropriate mental health services which are available at no cost for a period up to two years

Your patients do not need a doctor’s referral. They can access the service by calling 1300 316 554 or going online and completing a self-referral.

Find out more

02 April 2024

Your patients who have experienced family, domestic or sexual violence can now seek help from a new SWSPHN-funded program which aims to provide victim-survivors with access to services to support their long-term recovery.

Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney are delivering the Supporting Recovery from Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program in South Western Sydney.

The program aims to fill a gap in access to longer term mental health recovery services for victim survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence, and to work alongside existing services already in place providing short-term and crisis support.

However, services may be expanded across Bankstown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs based on need and demand.

The Supporting Recovery program includes access to:

a Local Care Team to help clients coordinate and manage their recovery journey, including connecting clients with a range of other services such as legal, financial and housing supports
trained psychologists, social workers and counsellors who specialise in providing trauma-informed and client-centred mental healthcare
holistic, culturally appropriate mental health services which are available at no cost for a period up to two years

Patients do not need a GP referral. They can access the service by calling 1300 316 554 or completing a self-referral online.

More information about the service can be found by visiting supportingrecoverysws.org.au

08 March 2024

People living with dementia now have access to Easy Read information about their condition.

SWSPHN has developed an Easy Read factsheet about dementia, which is available on our Health Resource Directory (HRD) website.

The factsheet, developed in consultation with a person living with dementia, has information about:

What dementia is
How dementia is detected
How dementia may affect you
How to live well with dementia
Questions you can ask your doctor
Where to find extra support

The aim of Easy Read is to give more people access to information. Easy Read is a way to present information for people who are not familiar with English, or who have low literacy or learning disability. Easy Read’s unique layout and style presents information so it’s easy to understand.

The Easy Read dementia factsheet adds to the resources about dementia already available on HRD. The factsheets have been formulated under strict clinical guidelines, include information about local support and health services, and are available in English, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese and Arabic.

Please download the Easy Read factsheet for patients with a dementia diagnosis where appropriate.

08 March 2024

People living with dementia now have access to Easy Read information about their condition.

SWSPHN has developed an Easy Read factsheet about dementia which is available on our Health Resource Directory (HRD) website.

The factsheet, developed in consultation with a person living with dementia, has information about:

What dementia is
How dementia is detected
How dementia may affect you
How to live well with dementia
Questions you can ask your doctor
Where to find extra support

Download the Easy Read factsheet

27 February 2024

Screening for gambling harm at general practices and community-based organisations could support a holistic approach to client care by addressing gambling as one part of a wider problem, and de-stigmatising gambling harm, a pilot study has found.

The study’s findings were published in a report, Exploring the feasibility of a gambling harm screening model in general practice and community service settings in Fairfield, in the Australian Journal of Primary Health last week (18 February).

The research was undertaken by the Fairfield City Health Alliance Gambling Working Group, a partnership between the three levels of government – SWSPHN, South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and Fairfield City Council – the multicultural gambling service, social service providers and academics.

It used a community-designed screening tool to detect and reduce harm from gambling in the Fairfield Local Government Area – an area where $1.7 million is lost to poker machines each day, and where people from all walks of life are represented in its diversity of cultures, religions and social backgrounds.

The screening tool, used by GPs and community workers in Fairfield for 13 weeks in 2020, was developed for multicultural communities and materials were translated into three languages (Arabic, Assyrian and Vietnamese).

More than 130 patients completed the online screening and were referred to help services.

Screening data showed 40 per cent of clients had no risk of gambling harm, 17 per cent were considered at-risk due to their gambling behaviour and 20 per cent due to someone else’s gambling behaviour.

Twenty-three per cent of clients were identified as being at risk of gambling harm from both themselves and someone else.

These rates of gambling harm are substantially higher than the 2019 NSW state prevalence survey.

The research findings suggest stigma poses a significant barrier to gambling treatment in multicultural communities, and that gambling screening in general practice could help overcome gambling stigma and support those communities.

The research also highlighted the complexity of gambling harm and treatments.

Community workers emphasised the need to prioritise other pressing issues, such as financial harm, domestic violence and homelessness, particularly for individuals affected by others’ gambling.

One worker ensured clients received emotional and mental health support while providing information about gambling help services.

“Therefore, addressing gambling-related concerns was often not the top priority, rather a secondary issue,” the report said.

The report’s conclusion: “Primary healthcare and community service settings can play a role in screening for and mitigating gambling harm within communities’’.

Read the article