Lithgow people are being asked to give insight into our community's mental health at a forum on Tuesday, April 9.
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People who have lived with mental illness, as well as their carers, families, community members, and representatives from primary health networks, local health districts, community-managed organisations, peak bodies and other service providers have been invited to participate.
Lithgow (and the Nepean Blue Mountains Health area) is one of 10 regions that NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey will be visiting as part of the review.
Ms Lourey said Lithgow was selected for the proactive role it has taken as a community in relation to challenges around mental health.
"I have heard so much about how the Lithgow community has come together around these issues," she said.
"The community has stepped in, stepped up and we have a lot to learn from that.
"Communities are their own best experts and we will be listening and learning."
Lithgow High School's new wellbeing centre had attracted the attention of the Commissioner and her team for its innovative approach to providing for student welfare.
There will be an open afternoon held at the Lithgow Workmen's Club at 3pm on Tuesday, April 9.
"We want to hear directly from people about what is working well and what needs improving. People may be able to tell us what has worked for them."
The public consultation is part of a mid-point review into 'Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014-2024', a 10-year plan for mental health reform in NSW.
Ms Lourey said the forums would help the Commission identify priority areas for the second five years of the plan. Lithgow is the second area to be visited.
The outcomes of the community consultation, alongside scientific data, will be presented to the government at the end of 2019.
"At the end of the day, mental health is about families and communities, it's about helping people not to be isolated," Ms Lourey said.
"It's about helping people stay in school, stay in work, about supporting parents."
People who would like to attend have been asked to register for catering purposes. You can click the link here or visit nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au.
A second forum will be held in Penrith on Wednesday, April 10 at the RSL Club from 9am.