
PATHS – Psychosocial Approaches to Thriving Health Systems
1 October 2024
Category: Projects
QAMH has been engaged by Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) to lead the Psychosocial Approaches to Thriving Health Systems (PATHS) Project.
This initiative builds on the findings from the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC) Project which highlighted the diverse needs and disparities in access to mental health services for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, First Nations people, carers, LGBTIQ+ individuals, older persons, and those living in outer regional areas. The PATHS Project aims to develop tailored service models to bridge these gaps and improve access to mental health supports.
QAMH will work collaboratively with Mental Health Coalition of South Australia (MHCSA) to deliver crucial evidence and narrative to inform future policy and service delivery in community mental health, particularly in the context of Foundational Supports and psychosocial services outside the NDIS.
QAMH’s Psychosocial Peak Body recently conducted in-person, lived experience consultations in Brisbane and Townsville to discuss foundational supports. The insights gathered will guide further consultations. The ‘Analysis of unmet need for psychosocial supports outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme’ released in August 2024, and gap analysis reports completed by South Australia and NSW will be key resources for this project. MHCSA has also conducted preliminary work on place-based approaches to addressing unmet need in the Barossa Region and the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network.
Townsville Community Consultations
QAMH recently held community consultations in Townsville to hear directly from local community members about their experiences accessing mental health and wellbeing supports. These sessions provided valuable insights into the gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the current system. The feedback gathered has been used to inform the development of a new, community-driven model of care that aims to better meet the diverse and evolving needs of the Townsville region.
This model is currently being refined and will contribute to a set of national recommendations to inform the development of foundational supports under the NDIS.
As part of this project, QAMH is excited to support the next phase of the ACDC Project Survey, which has been developed by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia.
QAMH invites you to take part in an important national survey aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing support across Australia.
Developed by the Centre for Social Impact for Community Mental Health Australia, this survey explores how people access mental health supports, their preferred support options, and how they initially engage with the system – helping to shape future advocacy and service improvements.
By participating, you have the option of going into the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 e-gift cards!
We also encourage everyone to help spread the word by displaying this flyer in workplaces, community spaces, or networks. Every voice matters in driving meaningful change.
Your insights will help shape better services and policies, ensuring support is more accessible, effective, and tailored to community needs.
Please complete the survey here
As part of this project, we have also updated a community resource originally developed through the ACDC Project.
This flyer provides essential contact details for mental health and wellbeing support services in Townsville, including crisis support, counselling, and community programs.
We encourage you to download and share this resource with your family, friends, and networks to help raise awareness of the services available in the Townsville community.
To view the flyer click here