Community Connections: Evidence and Approaches for Supporting Mental Health Through Social Participation
Tracks
Ballroom B - In Person Only
| Friday, November 11, 2022 |
| 11:02 AM - 11:32 AM |
Overview
Ingrid Hatfield, Mental Health Australia and Dr JR Baker, Primary & Community Care Services Limited
Speaker
Dr JR Baker
Chief Executive Officer
Primary & Community Care Services Limited
Community Connections: Evidence and Approaches for Supporting Mental Health Through Social Participation
Biography
Dr J.R. Baker is the Chief Executive Officer of Primary & Community Care Services Ltd and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University. J.R. has over 20 years’ experience in health management, education, and research. He has consistently introduced industry leading service improvements that always keep the client at the centre of change, pushing PCCS to become an Australian leader in social prescribing, complex care coordination and link work services, including almost 10 years of experience delivering social prescribing services across NSW and Queensland.
Ms Ingrid Hatfield
Senior Policy & Project Officer
Mental Health Australia
Community Connections: Evidence and Approaches for Supporting Mental Health Through Social Participation
Abstract
Social connection protects and promotes mental health and is one of the most influential factors in people’s quality and length of life. Despite being such a significant social determinant of mental health, with strong potential for early intervention and prevention, social participation has not received the attention it deserves in mental health policy and program delivery. Emerging models of service integration and supported community connection have promising potential to address this gap.
This presentation will provide an overview of current research and practice evidence for the importance of social connection in preventing mental ill-health and promoting recovery and wellbeing.
The first presenter will provide a brief overview of research evidence illuminating the relationship between social connection and mental health, as well as barriers people with lived experience of mental ill-health and carers face to community participation. Based on recent research and sector consultation, the presenter will further discuss how governments, service providers and communities can work at all levels to improve social participation for people with experience of mental ill-health.
Further, the second presenter will provide practical insight and lessons learned from a leading community mental health service provider in delivering social participation support. From psychosocial rehabilitation support to the aspirations vs realities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and finally a large regional social prescribing program, Primary and Community Care Services will reflect on different models for social participation support, discussing hard-won wisdom and opportunities.
Attendees will leave more informed and inspired about the possibilities in social participation support to improve mental health.
This presentation will provide an overview of current research and practice evidence for the importance of social connection in preventing mental ill-health and promoting recovery and wellbeing.
The first presenter will provide a brief overview of research evidence illuminating the relationship between social connection and mental health, as well as barriers people with lived experience of mental ill-health and carers face to community participation. Based on recent research and sector consultation, the presenter will further discuss how governments, service providers and communities can work at all levels to improve social participation for people with experience of mental ill-health.
Further, the second presenter will provide practical insight and lessons learned from a leading community mental health service provider in delivering social participation support. From psychosocial rehabilitation support to the aspirations vs realities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and finally a large regional social prescribing program, Primary and Community Care Services will reflect on different models for social participation support, discussing hard-won wisdom and opportunities.
Attendees will leave more informed and inspired about the possibilities in social participation support to improve mental health.
Biography
Dr J.R. Baker is the Chief Executive Officer of Primary & Community Care Services Ltd and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University. J.R. has over 20 years’ experience in health management, education, and research. He has consistently introduced industry leading service improvements that always keep the client at the centre of change, pushing PCCS to become an Australian leader in social prescribing, complex care coordination and link work services, including almost 10 years of experience delivering social prescribing services across NSW and Queensland.
