Northern Queensland Primary Health Network’s (NQPHN’s) recent mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention provider forums are a crucial platform for local service providers to strengthen collaboration. 

They are being hailed as engaging and dynamic – and anything but dull. 

That's according to North and West Remote Health (NWRH) General Manager Mental Health Marianna Masiorski. 

More than 100 mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention service providers turned out for the forums held in Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay. 

Ms Masiorski said the forums were a vital opportunity for mental health services to build stronger relationships and collaborate more effectively.  

“The support NQPHN offers for mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drugs services to work together is a significant shift in gears in how services in the sector can, and perhaps should, operate,” she said. 

The forums provided a valuable opportunity for service providers to get together face-to-face to connect and build new partnerships to support and benefit those using their services to ultimately improve the health of northern Queenslanders. 

Providers funded through NQPHN’s Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (MHAOD) programs were invited to attend the forums.  

During the forums, the 106 providers shared their work, celebrated achievements, and connected with services they may not otherwise regularly engage.  

Building on the success of other NQPHN forums, including the Regional Service Provider Networks and Team MyndKind, NQPHN has developed a forum format that aims to create a lasting impact in this sector. 

“Who said mental health forums had to be dull and boring,” Ms Masiorski said. “The NQPHN forums are well-structured, dynamic, and engaging.” 

“The multimedia format gives everyone a chance to participate, share, and contribute their knowledge, wisdom, and experience in a meaningful and enjoyable way.”