WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Strategic Framework 2020-2025 Released

An additional $1.2 million has been allocated by the State Government to build workforce capacity in the mental health, alcohol and other drug community sector.

The funds will support key areas as identified by peak bodies, service providers, stakeholders, consumers and carers.

They cover key focus areas of need including building the peer workforce; Aboriginal culturally secure services; building capacity in trauma-informed care; and providing employment pathways.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook acknowledged the importance of the workforce to the sector. 

“There are thousands of amazing workers, who care for and support those of us who are struggling with their mental health, alcohol or other drugs every day."

“More than 450,000 people are supported by government-funded mental health, alcohol and other drug services across WA each year."

“By supporting those who care for others, we will be building the capacity we need in our community to enable all Western Australians to live fulfilling lives.”

“We have many projects in the works across the State to deliver better and improved support and care to Western Australians – and we need to ensure we have appropriately skilled staff ready to deliver them.”

Programs underway by Mental Health Commission, in collaboration with service providers, to boost the sector include:

• Expanded suicide prevention services totalling $49.6 million over four years.
• Alternatives to emergency departments being established including Mental Health Observation Areas and Safe Haven Cafes;
• Initiatives being delivered in response to the Methamphetamine Action Plan Taskforce Report, including those addressing alcohol and other drug crisis intervention;
• Western Australia’s statewide Recovery College for mental health, alcohol and other drugs, launched last month;
• 84 alcohol and other drug community beds delivered since 2016 and 10 more to be established, including an alcohol and other drug intervention service; and
• 110 inpatient mental health beds and 68 community mental health beds being established over the next four years.

Read the WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Strategic Framework 2020-2025 or the Minister's media statement