Despite an unexpected eight-hour power outage in Kalgoorlie, more than 80 mental health and primary care professionals turned out for a recent weekend of mental health events in Kalgoorlie.
The WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) funded and facilitated events aimed to improve the consumer mental health journey by increasing awareness of available stepped care mental health services and appropriate referral processes for GPs and providers.
Using Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention funding, the events were designed by WAPHA’s Goldfields Regional Integration Manager Sarah Brown, in partnership with the Goldfields Suicide Prevention Collaboration. By responding to local and grassroots feedback, the events were targeted and meaningful to Goldfields health professionals, and reflected the region’s unique mental health ecosystem.
The first event focused on improving referral pathways, using approach to ensure people seeking assistance can receive the right care and service, at the right time and place. This collaborative workshop was run in partnership with the Goldfields Suicide Prevention Collaborative, WA Country Health Service and WAPHA.
Thirty three participants attended and collaborated with other mental health service providers, completing a mapping activity to showcase their services and foster better understanding of available services within the region.
The following night, Associate Professor Mat Coleman led a GP-focused discussion on mental health treatments, including medication, titration and common issues faced by regional GPs. This event, facilitated by WAPHA, was attended by 50 people from 19 organisations. Nine organisations provided updates on referral pathways and methods of communication, giving GPs insight into WAPHA’s mental health services. Service providers also presented on various programs and telehealth services to improve the consumer experience.
Feedback from some participants was that the GP discussion event was the best mental health education event held in the Goldfields to date. With high engagement from participants and guided by WAPHA’s Suicide Prevention Strategy, it is hoped this collaboration across all levels of mental health service providers will continue to strengthen the mental health ecosystem in the region.
Visit our Suicide Prevention page for more details about upcoming virtual and in-person suicide prevention education events for health professionals.
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.
