Mental health service providers were thinking outside the box and sparking open conversations at a workshop designed to put clinicians in the shoes of consumers.
The yearly Challenge Card exercise was established in 2023 to enhance referral pathways between organisations providing support to Southern Moreton Bay Island residents.
Service Integration Coordinator Shanon Cooper said the key is keeping vulnerable people at the heart of all conversations.
“The workshop encourages us all to work collaboratively with lived experience representatives and understand the difficulties vulnerable people and their carers may face when trying to access support, when living in an isolated community,” Shanon said.
“To facilitate discussion, Challenge Cards outlining real life scenarios of people who have tried to access care were created.
“The cards prompt service providers to consider the unique challenges faced by people living on the islands.
“Service providers are encouraged to reflect on scenarios outside their scope or skillset and to develop appropriate referral pathways for people to access.”
The successful event was a fantastic demonstration of partnerships in the provision of accessible, integrated, and person-centred care to people in the community.
Shanon will also be presenting the Challenge Card workshop at the Mental Health Services (TheMHS) Conference in September, which is Australasia's largest and most diverse mental health conference.
Well done to Shanon and all involved in this wonderful collaborative project.