Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan

Since our launch in October 2019, we have been working collaboratively to implement the regional plan. We asked some of our members to share their experiences: 

“I’ve really enjoyed being involved as a lived experience representative in two of the working groups for the Regional Plan (Communications, Access, Pathways, Partnerships, Promotions – “CAPPP” and Headstart). I’m really passionate about supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing within my local community, and so being able to contribute via these two working groups has been really rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed meeting and working with the other amazing group members. Thank you to CESPHN for the opportunities.”

Candice Fuller
Lived Experience Representative

“I am honoured to be a ‘lived experience’ representative on the PHN Regional Plan. As a carer I feel I have been really listened to and I have been very much involved in the co-design process with the PHN on this project.  

It is a wonderful opportunity to help build a regional plan that is designed to assist everyone, carers, consumers and clinicians, right from the grass roots level.  I believe people in the region are privileged to have such a pro-active and caring PHN and I am looking forward to the completion and rollout of this important project.”

Lyn Anderson
Lived Experience Representative

“I feel grateful to be a part of a working group of members who are so passionate, respectful, supportive, and collaborative. Not only have I been able to share my experiences and thoughts towards matters that are close to my heart, but I have alsobeen able to learn, listen and understand the experiences and thoughts of others.

These opportunities to listen and discusshave the power to positively create change for my people and I am thankful for this opportunity.”

Natasha  Janif
Community Representative

The Regional Plan is a collaborative project and benefits from the contribution of individuals and organisations that live and work in Central and Eastern Sydney.  

If you are undertaking a project that addresses one of the seven Regional Plan’s Priority Areas, we would love to hear from you.  

• Priority Area One – An accessible and Equitable System 
• Priority Area Two – Improving the Mental Health of Priority Population Groups 
• Priority Area Three – The Physical Health of People with Mental Illness 
• Priority Area Four – Aboriginal Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 
• Priority Area Five – Suicide Prevention 
• Priority Area Six – Integrated Services 
• Priority Area Seven – Workforce  

If you have further questions, require further information or would like to be involved please email: regionalplan@cesphn.com.au

The Regional Plan for Central and Eastern Sydney is a joint initiative and overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from:

Key stakeholders from the primary and secondary care sector, sector peak bodies, community managed organisations, lived experience representatives and community representatives are members of the various committees, sub–committees and working groups that are responsible for the implementation of Regional Plan actions.

Operating since 1896, the Medical Benevolent Association of NSW (MBANSW) is Registered Charity that provides counselling and financial assistance during crises, illness, impairment and grief in support of:

• medical practitioners and their families
• retired doctors and their families
• families of deceased medical practitioners
• others as determined by the Council.

Click here to go to Medical Benevolent Association of NSW website.

The regional plan has been developed over a 12 month period in partnership with over 250 local communities and stakeholders including health care service providers, sector peaks people with lived experience, carers and family members. The plan also extends to include actions identified by Government as requiring regional attention.

The following policies as strategies have informed the Regional Plan:

1. Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
2. Living Well – A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW
3. Equally Well Consensus Statement
4. GayaaDhuwi– Proud Spirit Declaration
5. Local Health District and Specialist Network Mental Health Plans
6. CESPHN Needs Assessment
7. NSW Strategic Framework for Mental Health

The Central and Eastern Sydney Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (the Regional Plan) was developed jointly by: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, Sydney Local Health District, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, St Vincent’s Health Network and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, the peak bodies for people with lived experience (Being NSW), for carers (NSW Mental Health Carers), and community managed organisations (the Mental Health Coordinating Council).

Many actions within the Regional Plan focus on improving access to relevant continuing professional development for the mental health, suicide prevention, and broader health and community workforces. In particular, action 2.3 states that the Steering Committee will: facilitate professional development activities focussed on working therapeutically with priority population groups.

Users of this resource acknowledge the following:

1. This resource is a collection of information about training and continuing professional development opportunities but is not an endorsement or recommendation of quality and appropriateness.
2. This resource is updated on a quarterly basis, and users should revisit regionalplan to check for the most recent version.
3. The Central and Eastern Sydney Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Steering Committee has taken all reasonable efforts to include up-to-date information in this resource- however the Steering Committee cannot not guarantee that the content in this resource is complete or up-to date. If you notice any incorrect or outdated information, please send feedback to: regionalplan@cesphn.com.au
4. The information included in this resource was gathered through extensive online research and sector consultation. If your organisation facilitates or delivers training that is of relevance to the mental health and suicide prevention sectors and you would like to include information about this training, please email: regionalplan@cesphn.com.au and the information will be included in the next quarterly update cycle.