Yarning about mental health crisis reform

"We all play a part in this puzzle, and collaboration between services is vital for warm handovers and holistic care."

Regional statistics tell us at Brisbane North PHN and Metro North Health that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, alcohol and other drugs (MHAOD) consumers are overrepresented, and often present at higher levels of crisis. We know that the voice of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with a lived and living experience and service providers need to be at the centre of decision making.

In February, 75 organisational representatives and community members attended a Yarning Day convened as part of the Brisbane North Mental Health Crisis Reform project as an opportunity for collective creativity and ideation.

Participants explored definitions of mental health crisis, specific support services required for prevention, and ways we could improve early intervention, response and resolution in the context of the specific social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Both this yarning event and a Planning Day held for stakeholders provided an opportunity to receive feedback to inform the PHN and Metro North Health’s Crisis Strategy (The Strategy), the aim of which is to improve the response to mental health crisis across our shared Brisbane North communities.

This mental health crisis reform work (including creation of The Strategy) is led by the Metro North Mental Health and Primary Health Network Crisis Reform Steering Committee who are tasked with successfully addressing mental health crisis by:

- scoping, co-designing and delivering a strategy with clear vision for crisis reform
- shifting from singular solutions to a more strategic, connected regional approach
- develop a framework that emphasises prevention and early intervention, coordinated responses during crises, and the provision of services and supports following a crisis to promote recovery.

Most attendees strongly agreed or agreed that the Yarning Day will improve how mental health crisis services work together across North Brisbane.

We thank all Yarning Day participants for their valued time, feedback and expertise.

“Mob need to yarn with other mob to work through their mental health. Touchpoints for mob at every point of treatment. Yarning with mob Elders would also be of benefit. Crisis hubs need to be established with mob workers.”

All quotes published with permission from participating stakeholders on the day.