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Navigating mental illness now easier online
Hunter New England Mental Health has today launched a one-stop-shop for mental health resources, education and information for mental health professionals and members of the community.
The ‘Navigator’s Guide’ has been developed to help families and friends understand and access mental health services available within the Hunter New England Health region.
Promotion and Prevention Officer for Hunter New England Mental Health Jon Chesterson said people experiencing a mental illness or health problem are often unclear about who to contact and speak to, especially if they are in crisis or experiencing a mental health problem for the first time.
“Often, someone with a mental illness may turn to their partner, parents, brothers and sisters, someone they live with or a close friend in the first instance.
“This guide has been developed by consumers, carers and clinicians, including staff from our health services and a number of non-government organisations, who regularly come into contact with families and carers and appreciate the difficulties they face,” Mr Chesterson said.
The web-based resource is accessible 24 hours a day from any home or public computer with internet access.
The resource features a comprehensive and expanding set of fact sheets about mental health services with user-friendly dialogue, up-to-date descriptions, contacts, information and advice on mental health services throughout the region.
It includes advice and information on a range of topics, designed to support existing web-based resources from other agencies such as the Commonwealth Government, NSW Health, Mental Health Association of NSW, Mental Health Council of Australia and SANE Australia.
“The project is dedicated to family and friends who are so often the main carer for someone with a mental illness and has been developed to assist them with information concerning their care and how to access services,” Mr Chesterson said.
The Navigator’s Guide was launched by Acting Area General Manager of Hunter New England Mental Health Jude Constable and Executive Manager, Association of Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI) Jo Sinclair via videoconference at a number of health service sites across Hunter New England Health this morning.
The guide has been produced by Hunter New England Mental Health in partnership with the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill.
What’s in the guide?
Section 1:
• About Hunter New England Mental Health
• What to Do in Emergency or Crisis
• Community Mental Health Services
• Adult Hospital Inpatient Services
• Aboriginal Services and Support
• Family Information and Support
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Available soon)
• You Are Not Alone - Support, Advocacy and Complaints
• Understanding Involuntary Treatment
• Guardianship and Financial Management in NSW
• Alcohol, Drugs and Mental Health Services
• Getting Help Early for Psychosis
• Rehabilitation and Recovery
• Getting the Best from Prescribed Medication
• Carers Rights and Responsibilities
• Take Good Care of Yourself
• Young Carers and Children of Parents with Mental Illness
View the Navigator’s Guide online at:
http://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/navigators_guide
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 4985 5522
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