Wellbeing First

“Wellbeing First imagines a future state where everyone has access to locally designed wellbeing supports and where the nation’s growth is measured not just in economic terms but also in its mental wellbeing.”

Wellbeing First Report 2021

A collage image of icons in a light shade of blue on a darker blue as a representation of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Staff on an outdoor activity

An Urgent Need for Change

The Wellbeing First report examines the urgent and compelling need for change in the mental health system. It is a call to fundamentally shift the focus of our sector from managing illness to actively supporting wellbeing.

The report is informed by eight months of research and exploration. The research was led by former QAMH CEO Jennifer Black with guidance from Jose Ramos (Action Foresight) and Helen Glover (Enlightened Consultants).

The Wellbeing First report is based on three key points:

  • The current system has been repeatedly identified as one which is struggling with demand, fragmented, siloed and difficult for the public to navigate.
  • The system continues to face unprecedented pressure from the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Human distress does not always need a medical response. For this reason, we need to move beyond current models of care, and pivot to a contemporary whole of community approach that places Wellbeing First.

In this report, the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) calls for fundamental changes to the way we fund and position Community Mental Health and Wellbeing services in Queensland.

Life Changing Benefits

Our mental health models are generally designed to be reactive, crisis-driven and focus on those with severe and persistent mental ill-health. The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector has huge potential to provide a practical, early intervention approach across the spectrum of need.

The vision outlined in Wellbeing First would have life-changing benefits:

  • For the individual, this approach will build social and economic participation
  • For clinical mental health services, it will assist in alleviating current demand pressures
  • For the community, it will increase resilience to life challenges
  • For the nation, it will foster mental wealth

Learn more about the Wellbeing First vision for our mental health system, including emerging opportunities, supporting case studies and the Wellbeing First core beliefs and service principles.