Mental Health Consumer & Carer Education Forum

Overview activate: mind & body is a state wide project that aims to bring together consumers, carers, clinicians, general practice, mental health services and non government organisations, and facilitate a combination of awareness, knowledge, training, support and access to ensure the physical wellbeing of people with a severe mental illness and a pathway to a better quality of life

GPQ & Queensland Health Improving the physical and oral health of people with severe mental illness (SMI) Collaboration between General Practice Queensland (GPQ) and Queensland Health Queensland Plan for Mental Health 2007 – 2017 National Mental Health Plan 2009 – 2014

Consultation Investigation 2008 GPQ facilitated an investigation into the physical health of people with SMI in QLD Literature Review State Wide Consultation Final Report

The Findings 2.5 X more likely to die from cardiovascular disease 2 X more likely to be overweight or obese More likely to develop diabetes 3.5 x more likely to suffer from liver disease Less physical activity & higher cigarette consumption Additional areas of concern: –Oral health –Hepatitis C –Medication side effects –Sexual health

Consumer & Carer Engagement Bottom up approach, consumers informing all aspects of project activities Membership on: State wide steering committee Working groups Consumer & carer focus groups across QLD

Development activate: mind & body Handbook Academic Detailing Resource Social Marketing & Health Promotion Plan Consumer Tools State Wide Service Directory Interactive Website Training QH Protocols & Guidelines Oral Health Plan

Implementation State Wide launch in Mental Health Week October 2010 Resources and education for: – general practice –mental health providers and services –NGOs –Consumers and carers Social Marketing & Health Promotion Campaign

Contacts Thank you!! Michelle Underhill Program Coordinator – activate: mind & body General Practice Queensland Nicolette Frey Principal Project Officer Metro South Health Service District Queensland Health