Directory of mental health support services launched
Looking after our mental health is vitally important to all of us at the moment.
With increasing evidence of long-term mental health issues from the extended lockdown, local Member Phil Donato recently unveiled a comprehensive mental health directory to be mailed to every household across the electorate in the coming weeks.
Our current health crisis makes seeking help if you or family member under stress, even more important, he said.
“I don’t think the lockdowns are doing any good to anyone’s mental health,” he said.
“The impact on the mental health of those with a predisposition to these problems, can only be to exacerbate these issues,” he added.
He believes that suicide is a “silent epidemic” in NSW and one: “the Government simply doesn’t want to talk about it.”
He hopes that the directory will prove useful to people in the Orange electorate under mental health stress at this anxious time. He believes that, knowing where to go, is the first step to getting the right help.
“For those experiencing mental health challenges, there has always been confusion as to where they should turn for help,” Mr Donato said.
“I’ve met dozens of people across the electorate, who’ve shared with me their experiences of mental health anguish, having been lost in a mental health maze in their plight for help.
He believes that there appears to be a lack of collaboration among service providers in the mental health space, who are often competing for government funding.
“On top of drought, flood, bushfire and mouse plague, COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on mental health in our community, with people facing business closures, job and income loss, mortgage stress, relationship breakdown and now isolation in lockdown.
“In the New South Wales Parliament, I’ve been raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention while advocating for improved coordination and service delivery to the community.”
He said that the directory is a measure of the importance he places on the issue.
“I’ve raised the issue of mental health service coordination with the NSW Government but, they’ve been too slow to respond. I wasn’t going to wait any longer to address this issue.
“I’ve sought to simplify the task for those in need of mental health-related services or support by compiling a comprehensive directory of the various service providers, charitable organisations, not-for-profits and community groups in a convenient booklet.”
With mental health now a public issue of the first importance, he hopes the directory will prove useful in the Orange area.
“This tangible resource is unique, having been specifically-developed for the residents of the Orange electorate to erase some of the confusion by providing a map in their hands to better navigate the many pathways to access appropriate mental health services and support.
“In the coming weeks, this handy resource will be delivered by mail to every household in the Orange electorate,” Mr Donato said.