The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) was tasked by the Australian Government to examine existing mental health services and programs to assess their efficiency and effectiveness. As part of the Commission’s overall review it engaged HMA to provide advice to the Commission Secretariat on the specific challenges for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ mental health including social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and suicide prevention.
Key tasks associated with undertaking with the project involved:
- a literature scan of materials published by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing
- a review of current policies relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing
- a review of program data and expenditure on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific mental health and social and emotional wellbeing programs
- focussed consultations with expert advisors
- workshops with members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Group and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders in Mental Health
- development of a report identifying key findings and proposing strategic directions to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
This project commenced in July 2014 and was completed in October 2014. A copy of the report can be accessed at the link below:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/our-reports/contributing-lives,-thriving-communities-review-of-mental-health-programmes-and-services.aspx
