With a rise in suicide, anxiety and general mental health issues in the region, Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), has put its thinking cap on for ways to tackle these issues head on by holding a free community conference in Dubbo on October 22. 

Entitled ‘Let’s Talk About it” community members, carers and service partners are invited to attend what will be an informative session. 

The Conference will provide a line-up of presentations and stallholders with information on mental health services and wellbeing, ways to improve health outcomes in communities and contemporary engagement models. 

WNSWLHD Community Engagement Lead Jennifer Coote said she is thrilled with the line-up for the conference and looks forward to engaging with the community to improve the District’s mental health services.  

The largest rural mental health service in NSW is operated by (WNSWLHD), including acute community mental health services, acute mental health inpatient services and a sub-acute inpatient service. It also operates the virtual Mental Health Emergency Care (MHEC) service that provides 24/7 access to mental health specialists.  

There are four Rural Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinators (non-clinical roles) operating out of WNSWLHD, who coordinate education, encourage and link people and communities to mental health and to other support services where and when it is needed.  

“The conference is an opportunity for our staff to provide information about our mental health services and the good work being done by our teams, and also to really engage and collaborate with community members and other service providers ," Ms Coote said.

“It’s a free event and with the theme of ‘Let’s talk about it’ we hope to have community members attending and getting involved on the day. It’s an opportunity for attendees to learn something new and maybe even take something back to their communities to implement locally.  

“These discussions can really help to build relationships and trust between the Local Health District, our partners and communities and also help inform how we design and deliver services to meet the needs of our communities.”  

Associated organisations and staff will present discussions on consumer involvement in research, how to support communities in maintaining good mental health and designing services with both consumers and partners.

Community Engagement Lead Jennifer Coote. Photo courtesy Engage Western NSW Health.

A pre-conference masterclass will be on offer, the day before the main event, and Ms Coote is looking forward to collaborating with attendees. 

“The masterclass ‘Building a culture of engagement and partnerships’ is being offered free of charge to participants and will explore tools and resources to support partnerships between community representatives and organisations," she said.

"Community representatives and staff will have the opportunity to explore the principles of co-design and workshop ideas for their communities.”  

Event details: 

• Pre-conference Masterclass – Monday, 21 October, 2pm - 4.30pm, Dubbo RSL Memorial Club, 178 Brisbane Street, Dubbo.  

• 2024 Community Conference – Tuesday, 22 October 9am - 3.30pm, Dubbo RSL Memorial Club

To register for these events, visit the  Engage Western NSW Health website