Powerful Healing in Simple Ways
Refugee trauma, the stress of resettlement and uncertainty can cause great stress, pain and fear and negatively impact on people’s health and everyday functioning. But with timely support, people can begin to heal and live well. NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors is a leader in healing for people […]
Mental Health Support: A Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Australian Government has launched mental health and community wellbeing support services to address the psychological harm and community distress caused by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza region. As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, we are collaborating with Central and Eastern Sydney, Northern Sydney and South Western Sydney Primary Health Networks (PHNs) […]
Connecting Patients to the Right Mental Health Support
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, with this year’s theme, “Let’s Talk About It” prompting all to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is a key component of overall health and wellbeing covering a range of disorders including anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. In a recent report conducted by the Australian […]
Suicide Prevention: A Call to Action for Health Care Providers
In 2023, there were 934 suspected or confirmed suicide deaths recorded in NSW[1]. Health care providers are often on the frontline of mental health care, encountering patients who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours. It’s essential to recognise the situational stressors and social determinants of health that are often the underlying factors contributing to a […]
Helping Young People with Alcohol and Other Drug Dependencies
Many young Australians aged 12-17 years frequently consume alcohol, with many engaging in regular risky drinking practices[1]. In 2022-23, it was also reported that one out of every five individuals aged 18-24 years were using e-cigarettes, a notable increase from one in 20 individuals in 2019[2]. Alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependence can stem from […]
Medicare Mental Health Centre Announced for Blacktown
(L-R) Julie Toma, Board Director of Western NSW PHN; Freddy Ortega, Executive Manager, Operational Excellence and Performance, Western NSW PHN; Jane Assange, Director of Primary Care Transformation & Integration, WentWest – Western Sydney PHN; Donna Davis MP, Member for Parramatta; Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention; Hon Rose Jackson […]
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 […]
Remarkable Success of Place-Based Organisation Improving Community Health Outcomes
Jelly Magirazi, Senior Commissioning and Contracts Manager, WSPHN; Angela Van Dyke, CEO, North West Community Services; Kieran Mahony, Contracts Manager, WSPHN; Cnr Brad Bunting, Mayor, Blacktown City Council; Michelle Quinn, Executive Director, WSPHN The North-West Sydney corridor has been a rapidly growing region, home to a population of over one million people. Parts of Blacktown […]
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, […]