Working Towards Best Practice in Accessible Care

The 2009 Lifeline National Conference was held from the 11th to the 13th March at Rydges Lakeside in Canberra and was attended by 191 delegates.

Invitation to attend this year’s Conference was open to Lifeline staff and delegates including consumers of mental health related services and representatives from a range of varying organisations some of whom included SANE, depressioNET, the Australian Psychological Society, the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and beyondblue our sponsors.

Lifeline were also delighted to host international delegates from New Zealand and our keynote speaker Dr John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for the Mental Health Association of New York City.

Overview of 2009 Lifeline Conference Program

Day 1: Innovations in Telephone and Web Support Services

The conference program for Day 1 featured a keynote presentation by Dr John Draper, Director of the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA) who discussed how the experiences of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network (NSPL) in the USA are relevant to Australian providers of telephone and web support based services.

An afternoon interactive panel discussion chaired by John Mendoza Chair of the National Advisory Council on Mental Health along with panel participants Professor Helen Christensen, Bryan Wilshire, Wendy Protheroe, Kerry Graham and Dr John Draper provided an opportunity for delegates to directly participate in open dialogue with industry professionals specifically about ways in which to improve and provide service through new technologies.

Day 2: The Consumer Voice

Day 2 of the 2009 Lifeline National Conference focussed on the ‘consumer voice.’ Individuals shared their personal stories of hope, resilience and recovery including Graeme Cowan, Ingrid Poulson and Jacqui Wharton.

The afternoon on Day 2 featured an interactive workshop facilitated by John Mendoza specifically addressing the question – “How can we more effectively incorporate the consumer experience into our service design, service practice, research, funding priorities and community attitudes?”

This facilitated session enabled delegates to engage in important dialogue with service providers about ways in which services and strategies can be improved to better connect people with care.