Care about the availability of mental health services in Australia?
Sign this http://bit.ly/PXE6KL
To the PM, the Minister for Mental Health, and all political parties,
Please fix our mental health care system by allowing those with a diagnosed mental health condition to access the internationally recommended minimum of 15 appointments of psychological therapy, with an additional 5 sessions per year for those experiencing chronic or severe levels of distress.
Why is this important?
Beginning next year the Australian Government plans to cut psychological treatment in the 'Better Access' scheme to just 10 appointments, with no exceptions. This move contradicts substantial evidence in research, which shows that only one third of people will show lasting levels of recovery. When people struggling with mental health concerns reach out for help, our system of mental health care needs to reach back, and hold on for long enough, so they can get back on their feet. We are asking for evidence-based reform, allowing those with a diagnosed mental health condition to access the internationally recommended minimum standard of 15 to 20 appointments.
How it will be delivered
Following our national day of action in September, the collected signatures will be handed to the Federal Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler at a press conference. Electronic copies of the collected signatures will also be provided to the opposition and Greens representatives on Mental Health.
RSVP to this http://on.fb.me/PXEadi
Join us in a collective effort to tell our politicians that access to psychological treatment should not be cut for those who need support. We are asking YOU and all Australians, to stand with us in opposition to the planned cuts flagged at the end of this year, by telling others, writing in to Federal MPs and Senators, blogging, posting links on Facebook and Twitter, and arranging a meeting to talk about the cuts to treatment with your local representatives. Please share this information far and wide, so that every Australian who cares about mental health knows about it. Information from our flier follows (https://www.facebook.com/download/335134949912873/Change%20of%20Mind.pdf). Please distribute the flier to all who you think may be interested in taking part:
The Alliance for Better Access calls on the Australian Government to allow people with a mental health condition to access a minimum of 15 to 20 appointments per year of Medicare-subsidised psychological treatment in the 'Better Access to Mental Health Care’ initiative. The group is asking all Australians to join them in telling the federal government that limiting therapy to 10 appointments a year is unacceptable. From 1 January 2013 the Australian Government intends to cut treatment in the 'Better Access' scheme, from the current 16 appointments per calendar year to just 10 sessions. This move contradicts substantial evidence in research, which shows that only one third of people will show lasting levels of recovery. On Monday 17 September 2012, the Alliance for Better Access is asking you to express your opposition by doing any of the following: • Raise awareness, by telling people about the planned cuts • Write to your Federal MPs and Senators • Write to Mark Butler MP, Federal Minister for Mental Health • Write a letter to a newspaper editor • Write a blog and share it on the Internet • Post links about the Better Access cuts on Facebook and Twitter • Contact your federal MP to arrange a meeting and discuss the cuts Mental health consumers, health professionals and others can participate in discussions at the Alliance for Better Access Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/betteraccess You can also find out more at the website www.betteraccess.net