Mental health first aid training for seniors and those working with older people in Murray will take place in Murrumbidgee and Far West Local Health Districts to help identify and lead people to mental health support earlier.
Member for Murray Austin Evans said the NSW Government is committed to improving the wellbeing of older people with $75,000 provided to Wesley Mission to run training.
“The organisation will receive $75,000 to deliver OPMHFA training in Sydney, South Eastern Sydney (including St Vincent’s Health Network), Northern Sydney, Southern NSW, Murrumbidgee and Far West Local Health Districts.
The CEO of Wesley Mission, the Rev Keith Garner, AM, said Wesley Mission was delighted with the opportunity to provide Older Persons Mental Health First Aid training.
“The mental health challenges facing older Australians are growing and becoming more complex,” Mr Garner said.
Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said five community organisations across the State will receive a share of $200,000 in 2018/19 from the NSW Government to deliver the training.
“Often mental health issues experienced by older people can go undetected. These workshops will mean problems can be detected earlier and help reached sooner,” Mrs Davies said.
In 2018-19 the NSW Government will invest $100 million as part of the Government’s 10-year vision for mental health reform in NSW, recognising that improving mental health outcomes for the people of NSW involves a whole of government reform agenda.
Older Person Mental Health First Aid training is expected to commence from October this year, with successful organisations promoting the training and taking registrations in their delivery regions.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information on where to find mental health services in your community contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.