Labor unveils mental health policy, including nurses in schools and triple-0 ‘co-responder’ model

TERRITORY Labor has unveiled a new mental health policy focused on ensuring struggling children and families receive the high quality support they need

TERRITORY Labor has unveiled a new mental health policy focused on ensuring struggling children and families receive the high quality support they need.

The plan would see “health promoting” nurses stationed at urban middle schools, and introduce a “co-responder” model for triple-0 call-outs in Darwin. Health Minister Natasha Fyles said all Territorians “should be able to access quality mental health and wellbeing services to enable them to live full and rewarding lives”.

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“Delivering a co-responder model for emergency call-outs is a win-win for Territorians and for our health system, creating an at-home care model where appropriate,” she said.

“The federal government’s $50m to expand on mental health infrastructure in the NT, alongside the extension of local initiatives, will increase access to grassroots mental health supports and, in-turn, inpatient hospital capacity for those who need it the most.

“Our government has focused on the development and wellbeing of future generations through the NT Child and Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan and have a policy that sees us build on the work to date.”

The federal government has committed to providing $30m over two years from 2020-21 for the NT government to establish a new mental health facility in Darwin.

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In June, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said $5m of the funds would be made available to start funding the centre from July 1.

“The Darwin Centre will receive $20m — comprising $5m for establishment and $15m over five years for operational costs,” Mr Hunt said.