Right Care, First Time, Where You Live

We are one of 8 PHNs working closely with The University of Sydney (Brain and Mind Centre) in a program called Right Care, First Time, Where You Live to improve mental health care for young people across Australia.

The program is looking to develop a Youth Mental Health decision-making support tool for our region using system modelling. The goal is to support decision-makers to test ‘what-if’ scenarios such as “if we increase school educational programs, what impact would this have on the number of young people presenting in the emergency department?”

From the 'what-if' scenarios, we can determine which programs and services will have the most impact and benefit for the young people they represent. We will utilise the modelling tool to support our commissioning in the Nepean Blue Mountains region. It will also be accessible by the community for the purpose of supporting program proposals and advocacy.

The implementation of the program will consist of three major workshops with stakeholders (local organisations and service providers, government departments, and youth lived experience - young people who are 18-25 years old will be paid for their participation in the workshops) throughout 2024 to:

map out the current state of the youth mental health environment in our region (including providing further context to available data and identifying gaps)
design a youth mental health system that will work in our region
review and test the initial model

Why be involved?

Use your voice to advocate for positive change for young people accessing mental health services in our region and potentially, across Australia.

Make an impact on the youth mental health system in our region.
Advocate and be involved in the codesign of the modelling tool.
Receive free training and access to the tool upon completion.
Network with likeminded organisations, health professionals and young people.
Payment for your involvement and transport costs is also available for young people aged 18-25 years.

Systems Model Super User Training

We invite all workshop attendees to register for Super User Training, being held on Tuesday 11 February 2025. There will be two sessions running to provide appropriate training for the different groups involved:

GPs, allied health professionals and community organisations
9:30am - 1:30pm
Register now
Young people - please note young people will be paid for the training session.
2:00pm - 7.30pm
Register now

For questions about this program or to know more, contact our Program Development & Contracts Officer- Mental Health, Melanie Hartmann, via email or call 4708 8137.