7 April 2022
Headstart, a new innovative navigation platform will allow anyone experiencing mental health issues in Western Sydney to access localised information on care services specific to their needs.
The Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN) commissioned Headstart in collaboration with local mental health services. The platform, which was co-designed with people with lived experience, filters services based on a person’s age, cultural background, level of need and location to ensure that people are connected to appropriate, affordable care. The free platform empowers community members to choose the best service for them by offering trusted free or low-cost local mental health service recommendations based on their search criteria.
The Headstart program has been designed in consultation with working groups comprised of those with lived experience, carer representatives, service providers, health professionals and clinicians, Local Health District and PHN personnel. These working groups provided advice on suggested improvements, changes and new functionalities to ensure that the platform effectively bridged the gap between consumers and providers.
Michelle Quinn, Director of Strategic Commissioning at WSPHN, thanked those with lived experience and local mental health service providers for their contribution to the platform, “One of the greatest challenges when facing mental health issues can be knowing where to turn. The Headstart model simplifies service navigation so that people are empowered to choose the local services that best respond to their individual needs. We are proud to be able to offer this service in Western Sydney”.
WSPHN CEO, Ray Messom, commented, “We are fortunate in Western Sydney to live in one of the most diverse pockets of NSW. However, the diversity of our people can often act as a barrier when they are trying to access mental health support. Having a tool that allows people to search for local, culturally appropriate, affordable services can be the difference between them receiving help or falling through the cracks. Service navigation tools are critical to improving equitable access to care”.
How to refer patients
Health professionals are encouraged to direct patients to the Headstart website or use the platform themselves to find appropriate local services for their patients.
Who can access this service?
Headstart is designed with all members of the Western Sydney community in mind. The platform identifies services that support people of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds, being mindful of the financial accessibility of services, geographic location and level of need of clients.
Refer patients or read more information on the Headstart website: headstart.org.au/western-sydney/