Walking the talk Promoting mental health and wellbeing within the Mental Health Commission of NSW
NSW Mental Health Commission July 2012 Established as a statutory body August 2012 NSW Mental Health Commissioner, John Feneley, appointed Based in Gladesville, Sydney at former mental health hospital site At least one Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner must be a person who has or has had experience of mental illness
Commission functions Prepare a draft strategic plan Monitor and report on its implementation Review, evaluate, report and advise on services and programs Promote and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and ideas Undertake and commission research, innovation and policy development
Commission functions Advocate for and promote: prevention of mental illness; early intervention strategies; general health and well-being Educate the community about mental health issues to reduce stigma and discrimination Other functions as prescribed by regulations
Mental Health Commission Act 2012 Object of Act The object of this Act is to establish the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales for the purpose of monitoring, reviewing and improving the mental health system and the mental health and well-being of the people of New South Wales.
Values Leadership Independence Integrity Courage Innovation Hope
Spontaneous activities Pot luck picnics Meditation sessions Mental Health Month activities Crafternoon Walking groups Establishment of herb garden and worm farm Decoration of Christmas tree and secret Santa gift exchange Christmas party Bootcamp Stretch o clock sessions Birthday celebrations Establishment of communal fruit bowl
Principles Ottawa Charter Building healthy public policy Creating supportive environments Strengthening community actions Developing personal skills Reorienting health services
Principles Healthy Workplace Model Physical Work Environment Mobilize Psychosocial Work Environment Evaluate Improve Leadership Engagement Ethics & Values Worker Involvement Assemble Assess Personal Health Resources Do Plan Prioritise Enterprise Community Involvement World Health Organisation (2010) Healthy Workplaces: a model for action. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599313_eng.pdf?ua=1
Principles Settings Approach Multidisciplinary Whole Systems Socio-ecological Approach Organisational Development & Change Management Top-down Political / Managerial Commitment Public Health Development Agenda High Visibility Innovative Projects Bottom-up Engagement & Empowerment Institutional Agenda / Core Business Values: Participation, Equity, Partnership, Sustainability Dooris (2004) Joining up settings for health: A valuable investment for strategic partnerships? Critical Public Health, 14(1).
Holistic approach mental spiritual physical social emotional
Aim of project To improve wellbeing of staff at the Mental Health Commission of NSW
Needs assessment Internal survey Psychological support Organisational culture Clear leadership and expectations Civility and respect Psychological competencies and requirements Growth and development Recognition and reward Involvement and influence Workload management Engagement Balance Psychological protection Protection of physical safety (Guarding Minds at Work)
Needs assessment Focus groups What is wellbeing? What supports/detracts from wellbeing? What did the survey results mean?
What does this all mean for people with a mental illness? Internal strategies External leadership
Lessons Build on strengths Personal skills and organisational development Holistic approach Bottom up and top down Be mindful of exclusion
Questions Katrina.davis@mhc.nsw.gov.au