The National Mental Health Commission has welcomed the release of the Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW by the NSW Mental Health Commission, setting out directions for reform in the state over the next 10 years.
The Plan, Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014 – 2024, has been written to reflect the needs, wishes and priorities of people living with mental illness, and their families and carers, to live contributing lives.
Chair of the National Mental Health Commission Prof. Allan Fels says the Plan provides a vision for mental health in New South Wales which places the needs of people front and centre.
"From day one the view of the National Mental Health Commission has been that we must think differently about mental health, to see mental wellbeing as important to the individual, their family, support people and community.
"The National Mental Health Commission welcomes the public release of the Plan today, and strongly agrees that true reform requires a person-centred approach. Without this, we will continue to tinker around the edges.
"The Commission also supports the proposed shift towards prevention and early intervention, as well as closer coordination and cooperation across services that contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families.
"This Plan reinforces that while there is a lot to be done, by helping people live contributing lives we can boost productivity, reduce costs to government and build a stronger more resilient society. It also highlights that all of us must work together to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
"We look forward to continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the NSW Mental Health Commission and many others around the country to help drive change," Prof. Fels said.
