New Engagement Framework and Toolkit to improve mental health and alcohol and other drug outcomes

  • New Engagement Framework and Toolkit provides a solid foundation for consistent, genuine engagement across the mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors
  • The State Government is taking another step forward to meet actions in the Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-2025

The McGowan Government is committed to involving people in the decisions that impact them.

A new Engagement Framework and Toolkit has been developed to assist all stakeholders to collaboratively work together to achieve better outcomes for people whose lives are affected by mental health and alcohol and other drug use issues.

The Working Together: Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Engagement Framework 2018-2025 is based on a set of five guiding principles: Safety, Authenticity, Humanity, Equality and Diversity.

This co-designed Engagement Framework outlines the benefits of genuine engagement, what effective engagement looks like at different levels, and outlines different engagement approaches including co-design and co-production.

The accompanying Toolkit aims to provide a process to planning, developing, actioning and reviewing engagement strategies and practices in line with the five guiding principles and a Checklist for Effective Engagement Practices.

The Toolkit also provides examples of the principles and strategies in action within the Western Australian context and showcases some successful programs and projects to date.

The Engagement Framework and Toolkit is available to download at http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au

As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:

"The development of the Framework and Toolkit brings us another step forward in to shifting toward a consumer-led and focussed mental health and alcohol and other drug system.

"We know the best outcomes come from when the people are involved in the decisions that impact them, which is why we welcomed all voices to have their say.

"This Engagement Framework and Toolkit was created by peak bodies, service providers, consumers and their support persons."

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