Resources
Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA)
CoMHWA is the independent, state-wide, peak body for people with lived/living experience of mental health issues (consumers). CoMHWA recognised that a consumer-led organisation is essential to achieving a strong, assertive, independent voice for social changes that reflect the needs and priorities of those with mental health issues. Head over to their website to get a full summary of services they offer.
Mental Health Commission (MHC) – My Services
The Mental Health Commission has developed the My Services online directory to help make it easier for consumers, carers and families to navigate the system and find mental health and alcohol and other drug support services.
It is also a useful tool for the sector and other professionals, enabling service planners and providers to work together using the same information.
My Services has the best available information, with more than 560 mental health, alcohol and other drug services included.
Mental Health Advocacy Service
The MHAS is committed to person-centered advocacy in which mental health advocates express the wishes of the patient.
Within the context of the Mental Health Act 2014 (the Act), the MHAS is dedicated to ensuring all consumers are informed of their rights, their rights are observed and their wishes made known.
Health Consumers Council WA
Health Consumers’ Council (WA) Inc, (HCC) is an independent, not for profit organisation passionate about ensuring the consumer is at the heart of our state’s health care system. They provide an Individual Advocacy Service during office hours Monday to Friday to help you navigate our health system. They also provide systemic advocacy for the WA Community by participating on a large range of committees and working groups to ensure the consumer voice is heard at the highest level.
Peer Based Harm Reduction
Peer Based Harm Reduction WA (formerly known as WASUA) provides non-judgmental, friendly peer based support, information and education, advocacy and harm reduction services and services aimed at reducing the transmission of Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections associated with drug use amongst the community in WA.
For those of you looking for alcohol and other drug services or community-mental health services in WA, the Green Book is a great place to start.
WA Recovery College Alliance
The Western Australia Recovery College Alliance (WARCA) aims to create opportunities for anyone in the community looking to connect, explore and transform. They believe every person has something of value to contribute, which is what makes their learning opportunities unique. They recognise their students bring just as much to the classroom as the educators. AODCCC is proud to be part of the Recovery College Alliance, head over to their website to see training and participation opportunities available today.
Mental Health Matters 2
MHM2 seeks to bring the voices and experiences of people and families at the ‘pointy end’ to decision-makers such as politicians, senior public servants and community agency management. People with ‘multiple, unmet needs’ are often the individuals and families who also experience discrimination, poverty and homelessness. They are often the individuals and families whom the system views as ‘too hard’ or ‘complex’ or for whom services are not properly designed or resourced.
MHM2 is a systemic advocacy group.
