Mental health has been under the pump in our region this year, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Add to the mix the population boom under way and what you get is a massive challenge for those providing mental health services in the region.
It is hoped a round table at Oran Park next month will shine a spotlight on how mental health services are meeting the challenge.
Labor shadow minister for mental health Tara Moriarty and Campbelltown MP Greg Warren will host the round table, which will bring together carers, consumers and those who work within the sector.
The aim is to try to identify what is working and what is not working in mental health services in the local area.
“Our communities have been through a tough year, and we are seeing the impacts on people’s mental health,” says Ms Moriarty.
“Now more than ever it’s important for us to acknowledge how people are feeling and to look at what is needed to better support people’s mental health.”
Mr Warren said the round table was an opportunity to hear from those who had been directly and indirectly impacted by mental health.
“There is absolutely no doubt that more could and should be done in regards to local mental health services in our region,” Mr Warren said.
“The best example in recent memory was the two-year absence of a full-time clinical psychologist in the adolescent Birunji Mental Health Unit at Campbelltown Hospital.
“Preventable issues like that cannot be allowed to occur.
“Given the impact of COVID-19 on our community as well, there has never been a better time to host an incredibly important event like this.”
The mental health round table will be held in Oran Park on Monday, November 16.
Due to capacity restrictions as a result of Covid-19, the event will not be open to the public.
However, anyone who would like to raise any issues prior to the round table can email campbelltown@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
