Cairns consultations 10 & 11 May

Cairns to have say on State-wide mental health, alcohol & drug strategies

Cairns and Far North Queensland communities are encouraged to comment on a high level plan that sets directions to improve the State’s mental health and wellbeing.

The Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan 2014-2019 is a whole of government plan first developed in 2014.

On May 10 and 11, the Queensland Mental Health Commission will host consultation forums to hear the views of the Far North at Cairns Library, 151 Abbott Street, Cairns City.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said: “It is important that the voices of all Queenslanders, from all regions and sectors, are heard as part of the renewal process.

“We’ll be in Cairns to listen to the perspectives of people in the region about the mental health, alcohol and other drug responses, needs and priorities for their community.

“It is particularly important that we hear from people with lived experience of mental illness, problematic alcohol and other drug use and those affected by suicide, as well as their families, carers and supporters.”

Dr van Schoubroeck noted that significant mental health reform, action and new services had been delivered across Queensland.

“Improving mental health and wellbeing takes time and it is important that our efforts are continually reviewed to ensure they meet the changing needs of Queenslanders and align with recent reforms,” she said.

“We’d like to hear from Cairns people about ways to improve mental health and wellbeing, reduce stigma and discrimination, reduce avoidable harm and deliver better outcomes for the general community and people with lived experience.”

Discussion papers are available for comment if people are unable to attend a consultation forum. Registrations to attend the two Cairns forums are under ‘Strategic plan renewal’ on the Commission’s website www.qmhc.qld.gov.au