FIRST RESPONDERS — MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
623. Hon PETER COLLIER to the Minister for Mental Health:
(1) What mental
health support services are provided for first responders throughout Western Australia?
(2) How are the
details of access to these services provided to first responders throughout Western
Australia?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question, which I answer on behalf of the Minister for
Mental Health.
(1) The Mental
Health Commission has provided over 25 training sessions to first responder
agencies in 2020–21, including providing contact details for them to
contact for further support. First responders can also access the MHC's
online learning and video conference calendars. Mental health services across Western
Australia are accessible to first responders. The MHC website has a My Services
function, which can be used to locate mental
health services that provide support and may be of assistance. Questions about
mental health support services offered directly to first responders by other
government agencies need to be submitted to the appropriate ministers.
(2) The MHC
chairs and provides a secretariat role to the first responder working group.
The purpose of the FRWG is to leverage best practice workplace initiatives that
support the mental health and wellbeing of first responder employees,
volunteers, families and those retiring or leaving first responder agencies.
The MHC is also involved in the consultation processes for the development of
the first national mental health action plan
for emergency service workers. First responder organisations are expected to
inform and educate their staff members on services available.