Authors: headspace Wollongong
Year: 2013
Event: 2013 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: NSW
Award level: Silver
Award category: Assessment and/or Treatment Program or Service
Abstract: headspace Wollongong is one of the first centres to employ mental health nurses under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP). The MHNIP is delivered in a primary care setting, in a flexible manner specifically for young people. There are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to have the MHNIP operating under the headspace banner. The MHNIP fills gap in service provision for young people and is accessible to young people who historically tend not to seek help. Young people who enter the MHNIP program receive a comprehensive assessment and are able to receive a number of interventions for up to two years. The MHNIP co-ordinates care within the community for young people with complex presentations and provide opportunities for positive outcomes. Shared care of young people between community agencies increases young peoples’ access to primary care services. The efficacy of this program can be demonstrated by outcomes such as improved client functioning, outcome scales, discharge from the program and evaluation measures. Description of Facility/Organisation: The Illawarra Shoalhaven Medicare Local (ISML) formerly Illawarra Division of General Practice (IDGP), leads and supports the primary health care sector to achieve significant improvements in the health and wellbeing of our population. In February 2007 the ISML, lead agency, received funding from the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, to establish a community of youth services to support young people aged 12 to 25 in the Illawarra region. headspace Wollongong provides multidisciplinary care to young people with a focus on a holistic approach to care; physical, mental and social health promotion, early intervention/prevention, linking and coordinating care, and engagement with young people and their families in a youth friendly environment. The headspace Wollongong team consists of general practitioners, psychologists, youth access clinicians and administration staff. headspace Wollongong was the first headspace to establish a Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program work within a headspace centre. As of December 2012 headspaces Wollongong have assisted 3700 clients.
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