188. Hon Alison Xamon to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Mental Health:
I refer to the establishment of a community mental health step up/step down service in Karratha, and I ask:
(a) can the Minister confirm he is committed to establishing this service to support people with mental health issues who live in and around Karratha; and
(b) will the Minister commit to delivering a public education campaign to advise the local community regarding the nature of, and need for, this vital service and to ensure people accessing this service can do so in safety and without fear?
Hon Alanna Clohesy replied:
I am advised that:
(a) Yes. The State Government has committed to the establishment of a community mental health step up/step down service in Karratha.
(b) The Mental Health Commission has identified the relevant stakeholders for the provision of information and consultation about the proposed step up/step down service in Karratha.
The Mental Health Commission website, has a community step up/step down webpage, which includes frequently asked questions and the model of service.
To date, the Mental Health Commission has held two community forums and has engaged in meetings with the local Council, the local primary school, the Returned and Service League, and one-on-one meetings with neighbours and local business owners.
The Mental Health Commission will continue consultation and communication with key stakeholders during the establishment of the Karratha step up/step down service.
The Mental Health Commission contracts Act Belong Commit to strengthen positive mental health through the delivery of a state-wide mental health promotion campaign, which encourages people to take action to promote and protect their own mental wellbeing. Act Belong Commit has a significant presence in the Pilbara.