The ACT Government has been recognising Mental Health Month this October as an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote mental wellbeing for all Canberrans.
Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said almost half of all Australians, around 45%, will experience issues with mental health at some point in their lives.
"This could be you or someone around you, like a family member, a friend or a colleague. That's why it is so important to come together as a community and acknowledge the significance of Mental Health Month," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"People can be going through a hard time for all sorts of reasons, and human connection is important even when things are going well. Supporting a loved one can be as simple as just listening and chatting to them about what they are going through, helping to find resources or organising an appointment.
"We have many innovative non-government, public and private mental health services in the ACT that are committed to supporting our community. It's a real privilege to work with peak bodies, providers, and people with lived and living experience as we develop a new Mental Health Services Plan, to be completed by the end of 2026."
Minister Stephen-Smith marked Mental Health Month with several events and visits to government-run mental health facilities and services across October, including to the Phillip Community Health Centre and Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, recognising the vital work of mental health staff.
"It was great to visit the Phillip Community Health Centre and meet with the Woden Community Recovery Service and the Eating Disorder Services teams who provide mental health care and support recovery for people in the community," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The visits also coincide with the one-year anniversary of the ACT's dedicated Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre, which is the first government owned and operated facility of its kind in Australia, providing specialist residential support to individuals and families in the region. The Eating Disorders Services at Phillip Community Health Centre are testament to the high-quality mental health care on offer in the ACT.
At the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, following a tour of the facility, the Minister joined consumers and staff for a morning tea to celebrate staff members' achievements. The visit included a preview of the newly upgraded reception and screening facilities giving a fresh new look to the unit as well as a number of other projects currently underway to create a warmer and more therapeutic environment.
Canberra Health Services provides a range of mental health services across the Territory, in hospitals, community health centres, adult and youth correctional facilities and people's homes.
These services work together to deliver integrated and responsive care, including hospital-based specialist services, therapeutic rehabilitation, counselling, supported accommodation and other community-based services.
