The program, which has been delivered by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre and funded by the BHP Foundation, connects researchers and communities together to co-develop a local system modelling and simulation tool that can help guide investments in sustained, coordinated and digitally enhanced youth mental healthcare.

Systems modelling and simulation is an evidence-based and data-led way to test strategies and forecast the impact those strategies are likely to have on a local population, before investing significant time and financial resources. It can help increase understanding of the combination, scale and timing of investments and strategies needed, to deliver the most benefit to a local population.

Government funding is limited, so investing in the right mental health interventions, at the right time, to ensure we have the most impact for our young people, is vitally important. Traditionally, system modelling and simulation tools are something only scientists and researchers have used. Now, thanks to the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, we as a PHN and our stakeholders in the community, will have free access to our own localised tool, lending even more credibility to our advocacy efforts in the youth mental health space

The design and development phase of our region’s system modelling tool involved three workshops, with over 60 local key stakeholders. Throughout this project we have collaborated and strengthened both existing and new relationships across the region at all levels, including with young people who have lived experience, local services, councils, and other government departments.

The face of health is changing. I see a shift from healthcare being a system that treats people when they’re sick, to a system that prevents people from becoming sick. In this new future health is not just a government issue. Health is a community issue, a social issue and an economic issue. The Right Care First Time Where You Live systems modelling tool is a unique opportunity for us to take a scientific approach to health planning at a regional level.

To address the health needs of the future, we need more partnerships like this one, where government, education, research and corporate organisations can come together with communities and people with lived experience. I for one, am excited about what being involved in this project will mean for our region moving forward.