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 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.

The Regional Plan had a three-year focus with implementation concluding on 30 June 2022. Despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial progress was made against the ninety-seven actions of the Regional Plan. Eighty-four percent of these actions have been completed or were substantially progressed. Through this implementation process we have seen successful developments in the provision of mental healthcare resources, tools, and services. Importantly, CESPHN and partners have formed strong and outcome-driven partnerships.

You can read the full Implementation Report and Implementation Evaluation Report now.

The development and implementation of the joint regional plan indicate the end of one phase of joint regional planning. Activity will continue in line with state and federal policy directives.

In this phase, we have developed and implemented what is considered as a ‘foundational plan’ with the requirement to jointly develop a Joint Service Plan in the next phase of regional planning.

National Cabinet has provided endorsement of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (the National Agreement). The National Agreement is expected to strengthen collaborative planning and commissioning at the regional level.

Following endorsement of the National Agreement, the Australian Department of Health will work with jurisdictions to develop national and regional planning and commissioning guidelines. The guidelines will be provided in March 2023, at which point the next phase will be planned and implemented in central and eastern Sydney. This will use a process evaluation currently under development to ensure that future regional planning efforts will build on the successes of the current initiative.

We look forward to developing our Joint Service Plan and building on the successes of joint regional planning to date.