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Population Health
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Population Health Directorate
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Health Promotion
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Public Health
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Research, Evidence Management & Surveillance
- HIV & Related Programs
- Centre for Health Equity Training Research & Evaluation
- Multicultural HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Service
- NSW Refugee Health Service
Mental health promotion
Improving mental health can have substantial benefits for consumers, their carers, and also for the community.
The burden of mental illness continues to grow in Australia, with almost half the population experiencing a mental illness at some point in their lives. Approximately 1 in 5 (20%) Australian adults will experience a mental illness every year. The highest rate occurs in people aged 15 to 25 years.
The onset of a mental health problem can have profound effects on social, emotional and physical wellbeing. As some physical illnesses can also increase the risk of developing a mental illness, coordinated mental and physical health promotion strategies are important.
Promotion and prevention for mental health has a broad scope. Our priorities include schools as a setting for mental health promotion, improving mental health first aid skills in selected communities, as well as improving the physical health of consumers. Much of our work involves working with other health promotion teams that are supported by SSWAHS Mental Health Services.
Our current projects are:
- Campbelltown Men's Shed
- Croydon Cottage Bike Fleet
- Mental Health First Aid
- Mental health service directories (Bankstown, Canterbury, Fairfield and Liverpool area, Macarthur, and Southern Highlands)
- MindMatters
More information
Contact Karen Bedford on 9515 9073 or kbedf@email.cs.nsw.gov.au