Member for Albury Justin Clancy said that mental health is such a huge issue for the community yet the processes for finding help can be complex or daunting.
“When I meet with community representatives to discuss mental health needs it is their lived experience stories that are most powerful,” said Mr Clancy.
“They help us tighten our focus on where processes can be improved.
“I encourage anyone with lived experience of mental health and in particular experience of the Mental Health Line to make a contribution to the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation and let’s make it the most helpful tool it can be.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.
“The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Mental Health Line is an important service which helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.
“In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.
“People need to be able to easily access services which can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.”
The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest into digital transformation projects through the DRF.
The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State.
To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation.
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