Sunshine Coast Health is celebrating Queensland Mental Health Week with the launch of a new advisory group that will give consumers and carers the voice to help shape the future of mental health services.
The Mental Health Consumer Advisory Group will put people with lived mental health experience at the heart of how local mental health services are designed and delivered.
Mental Health and Specialised Service General Manager Rachael Aitchison said the group will provide advice on service design, consumer engagement and strengthening access to safe and responsive care.
“We know the best services are built with the people who use them. The Consumer Advisory Group will give consumers and carers a direct, ongoing voice in how we design, deliver and improve services across our region,” Ms Aitchison said.
This group is about moving beyond consultation to genuine partnership – making sure we listen, learn and respond to what matters most for the people we support.”
The theme for this year's Queensland Mental Health Week is 'Connect for mental health', highlighting the importance of connection with self, others, community and nature as central to wellbeing.
Ms Aitchison said everyone can take small steps to strengthen their mental health and wellbeing by focussing on connection.
“Connection is at the heart of recovery," Ms Aitchison said.
- Connect with self – do something you enjoy, make healthy choices, and seek help when needed.
- Connect with others – spend meaningful time with family, friends and loved ones.
- Connect with community – be supportive and inclusive, look out for one another, and engage with events, groups and things happening in your community.
- Connect with nature – step away from technology, enjoy the outdoors, and care for the world around you.