The Department of Health has launched a trial of Active Recovery Teams (ARTs) in 10 metropolitan and regional locations aimed at providing links between hospitals and community organisations dealing with mental health.
Minister for Mental Health, Roger Cook said the teams would deliver better recovery opportunities for people experiencing mental health and alcohol and other drug issues.
Mr Cook said the aim of the 18-month pilot model was to bridge the gap between clinical mental health services inside hospitals and the community-based organisations who provide care outside hospitals.
The teams will initially be established in adult and youth services located at Armadale, Bentley, Midland, Murdoch, Osborne Park, Perth, Peel and Rockingham, as well as in the Midwest and Wheatbelt regions, he said.
The first services are anticipated to be operational by March.
Mr Cook said that for the first 90 days after leaving hospital, the integrated ART services would help people expedite their mental health recovery; gain greater confidence in their ability to manage their mental health in the community; and avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital.
He said a second initiative was the establishment of a peer support worker program at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
“While the ART service follows people after they leave the hospital environment, the new peer worker pilot operates throughout the hospital experience,” Mr Cook said.
“A peer support worker will be on hand to help people when they enter the often confusing and anxious Emergency Department environment,” he said.
