Free Education Program to Improve the Lives of Older People
We proudly commission Live Life Get Active to run education programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people aged 65 years and over. The Live Younger Longer – Active Ageing Program teaches early intervention strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of older people. The program shares cognitive, physical, mental, nutritional and social […]
Supporting Refugee Patients in Western Sydney
In Western Sydney, over half of the region’s population was born outside of Australia, a statistic significantly higher than the state average[1]. In a community marked by diversity, it’s crucial to acknowledge the journey and challenges that people from refugee backgrounds and asylum seekers face, particularly in finding the right health care for them and […]
Reconciliation is Needed Now More Than Ever in Our Western Sydney Region
National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held between 27 May and 3 June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s NRW theme is ‘Now more than ever’ reminding us that in every circumstance, […]
Western Sydney Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Joint Regional Plan 2024-2025
As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN), we are committed to a mentally healthy and inclusive Western Sydney community. The Western Sydney Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Joint Regional Plan 2024-2025 (the Plan) strengthens our commitment to the region and to working collaboratively with our partners, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Sydney […]
Helping People with Complex Mental Health Needs
We have been working with One Door Mental Health (One Door) for over four years to provide recovery-focused programs in non-clinical environments to help people with complex mental health needs build meaningful, safe lives in the community. Over half of their national team have lived experience, which can help build relationships with clients on connection […]
Creating a Standardised Language for Mental Health Care
The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is a platform to help referrers find the best care for patients. The tool uses eight assessment domains to estimate the service patients require across five levels of care. Combined with clinical judgement, this standardised, evidence-based model, can help ensure that patients are connected to the most appropriate local […]
Giving People a Head Start in Finding the Right Mental Health Support
The growing use of technology and web-based sources has given people direct access to a wide range of available mental health services. However, it can be difficult for people to find the right services for their needs. To assist in connecting community and health professionals with the right services, we commission Headstart. Headstart is an […]
Equipping Health Professionals to Provide Mental Health Support
Health professionals working in the mental health and primary care sector have an important role to play in the diagnosis and treatment of patients experiencing mental ill-health. As there may be an increase in the number of people seeking mental health support during Mental Health Month it is important to be equipped with the right […]
WentWest Stories, Care Finder: Ms P’s Story
The Care Finder program is commissioned by WSPHN to provide vulnerable older people with the assistance they need. Care Finders can assist community members by talking to My Aged Care on their behalf and arranging an assessment, helping them understand what aged care services are available, and completing forms for them. I met Ms. […]
Helping People at Risk of Self-harm
Today, R U OK? Day puts a spotlight on the importance of providing a safe space for a patient, friend, family member or coworker to speak about their mental health and reducing the stigma of mental illnesses. Asking ‘Are you okay?’ can give a person the opportunity to be seen, heard and understood. The day […]