Rhys Oakley’s Post

🤔 How can policy change shape the mental health landscape? Transitioning from a NYC educator to mental health therapy, I’ve seen the critical role policy plays in mental health support. Effective policies can enhance access to care, improve treatment quality, and promote mental health awareness. It’s crucial for organizations and individuals to advocate for policies that prioritize mental health, ensuring support is accessible and stigma is reduced. Lets delve deeper: 1. Understanding Policy's Role: Effective mental health policies create frameworks that ensure access to quality care, safeguard rights, and provide resources for mental health initiatives. Policies can shape everything from funding allocations for mental health programs to the implementation of workplace mental health strategies. They are the foundation upon which accessible and equitable mental health services are built. 2. The Gap in Mental Health Support: Despite advancements, there remains a significant gap in mental health support, particularly in underserved communities. This gap often stems from inadequate policies that fail to address the unique needs of diverse populations or allocate sufficient resources for comprehensive mental health care. 3. Advocacy for Inclusive Policies: Advocacy plays a critical role in shaping inclusive and effective mental health policies. This involves pushing for legislation that acknowledges mental health as a critical component of overall well-being, and that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and long-term support. 4. The Power of Community Advocacy: Grassroots advocacy efforts, driven by communities and individuals who are directly impacted by mental health policies, are incredibly powerful. These efforts bring real-world experiences to the forefront, helping to shape policies that are more responsive to the needs of those they aim to serve. 5. Collaborative Efforts for Policy Change: Collaborative efforts between educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and the community are essential. By working together, we can ensure that policies are not only well-informed but also empathetic and practical. - - - A Call to Action: Every voice matters in the fight for better mental health policies. Whether you're a professional in the field, an educator, or a concerned community member, your advocacy can drive change. 📣 Join the Movement for Better Mental Health Policies: 💻 Connect with https://lnkd.in/e4Bz4Ysw to learn how we can work together in advocating for policies that make a real difference in mental health support and services. #PolicyForMentalHealth #AdvocateForChange #MentalHealthAwareness

🌟 Let's break down barriers and foster support for Mental Health! 🌟 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time for us to unite in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and prioritizing comprehensive care for all. As healthcare professionals, it's our duty to ensure that individuals have access to the resources they need for their mental well-being. That's why we call on hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to expand their service offerings and embrace a holistic approach to healthcare. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet too often it takes a backseat in our healthcare systems. By expanding service offerings to include robust mental health services, hospitals and FQHCs can play a pivotal role in improving outcomes and transforming lives. Here's why it matters: 1. Accessibility: By integrating mental health services into existing healthcare settings, we can make them more accessible to those who need them most. This is particularly crucial in underserved communities where access to mental healthcare may be limited. 2. Early Intervention: Offering mental health services within hospitals and FQHCs allows for early intervention and prevention of more severe mental health conditions. By addressing mental health concerns proactively, we can help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. 3. Integrated Care: Treating mental and physical health in tandem leads to better overall outcomes. By providing integrated care, hospitals and FQHCs can address the complex interplay between mental and physical health conditions, resulting in more comprehensive and effective treatment. 4. Destigmatization: By openly embracing mental health services, hospitals and FQHCs can help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. When mental health is treated with the same level of importance as physical health, individuals are more likely to seek help when they need it. Now is the time for action. Let's work together to ensure that mental health services are readily available and easily accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier, more compassionate world. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #Healthcare #Wellbeing #CommunitySupport

🤔 How can policy change shape the mental health landscape? Transitioning from a NYC educator to mental health therapy, I’ve seen the critical role policy plays in mental health support. Effective policies can enhance access to care, improve treatment quality, and promote mental health awareness. It’s crucial for organizations and individuals to advocate for policies that prioritize mental health, ensuring support is accessible and stigma is reduced. Lets delve deeper: 1. Understanding Policy's Role: Effective mental health policies create frameworks that ensure access to quality care, safeguard rights, and provide resources for mental health initiatives. Policies can shape everything from funding allocations for mental health programs to the implementation of workplace mental health strategies. They are the foundation upon which accessible and equitable mental health services are built. 2. The Gap in Mental Health Support: Despite advancements, there remains a significant gap in mental health support, particularly in underserved communities. This gap often stems from inadequate policies that fail to address the unique needs of diverse populations or allocate sufficient resources for comprehensive mental health care. 3. Advocacy for Inclusive Policies: Advocacy plays a critical role in shaping inclusive and effective mental health policies. This involves pushing for legislation that acknowledges mental health as a critical component of overall well-being, and that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and long-term support. 4. The Power of Community Advocacy: Grassroots advocacy efforts, driven by communities and individuals who are directly impacted by mental health policies, are incredibly powerful. These efforts bring real-world experiences to the forefront, helping to shape policies that are more responsive to the needs of those they aim to serve. 5. Collaborative Efforts for Policy Change: Collaborative efforts between educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and the community are essential. By working together, we can ensure that policies are not only well-informed but also empathetic and practical. - - - A Call to Action: Every voice matters in the fight for better mental health policies. Whether you're a professional in the field, an educator, or a concerned community member, your advocacy can drive change. 📣 Join the Movement for Better Mental Health Policies: 💻 Connect with https://lnkd.in/eHpenwPw to learn how we can work together in advocating for policies that make a real difference in mental health support and services. #PolicyForMentalHealth #AdvocateForChange #MentalHealthAwareness

Exciting Developments at Your World !   We're thrilled to share that Your World is passionately working on a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing mental health service accessibility for children, young people, and adults facing various mental health challenges. We're committed to making a meaningful difference in our communities by offering support that truly addresses their needs.   Our Vision: To create a comprehensive, accessible, and effective mental health support system tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual we serve.   Key Components of Our Plan: Enhanced Accessibility: Expanding our network of highly skilled mental health professionals to ensure timely and easy access to care, no matter where you are.   Integrated Care Models: Developing collaborative care plans that involve medical professionals, mental health specialists, and social services to provide holistic and effective support.   Digital Health Solutions: Utilising advanced technology to offer telehealth services, online support groups, and mental health apps for continuous and convenient care.   Community Engagement: Partnering with local authorities and community organisations to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide education on mental health issues.   Focus Areas:   Children and Young People: Enhancing early intervention programs and providing school-based mental health services to support young minds.   Adults: Offering specialised support for a wide range of mental health disorders, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions.   Our Commitment:   At Your World, we are dedicated to improving mental health outcomes and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need. By working closely with local authorities and healthcare providers, we aim to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.   If you're facing challenges in finding the most effective support for your service users, I'm here to help. Let's connect and explore solutions together. Feel free to drop me a message, and let's start the conversation.   #MentalHealth #Healthcare #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildrenAndYoungPeople #IntegratedCare #DigitalHealth #CommunityEngagement #YourWorldRecruitment

Becoming the founder of an organization wasn't my initial ambition. I chose this path because there are limited opportunities for occupational therapists to practice mental health services, particularly in acute outpatient care. Often, we find ourselves restricted to inpatient psychiatric hospitals, where even the opportunities are scarce. In establishing Inclusive Wellbeing, my goal is to bridge the gap between individuals and therapists and foster collaboration among mental health professionals. The aim is to move towards integrative mental health, with the joint support of mental health and healthcare professionals. That's why the name "Inclusive Wellbeing" holds profound significance—it embodies providing services inclusively, incorporating both conventional and contemporary mental health professionals, and considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects within the body. The recent milestone of obtaining a trademark registration symbolizes our commitment to providing meaningful mental health support to many lives. We welcome investors to join us, as we are in need of funds for our projects. #inclusivewellbeing

🌍 World Mental Health Day: 🎉As we celebrate this day with pride in the strides made by various countries, institutions, and practitioners in raising awareness about Mental Health Matters, we can not ignore the following common problems in SA; • The marginalised communities predominantly the disadvantaged areas (rural/ villages etc) still struggle to access psychological services. This is due to many factors: 🏥 Underdevelopment, understaffing of mental health institutions serving the disadvantaged areas. As a result, hospitals and clinic staff are burned out due to the overwhelming number of clients/ patients. 👩⚕️ The lack of mental health care practitioners and services is questionable. There are numerous qualified professionals, to be specific psychologists struggling to get posts in government sectors hence many practitioners have started their private practice for their livelihood. 💴 Many deserving patients/ clients are unable to access the services due to financial barriers/ socioeconomic statuses. 🚘 Accessibility of services or practitioners. 📚 Limited availability of in-person mental health education and awareness. 🗣️Social Stigma related to mental health treatment and conditions. Not only limited to institutions of care, including, families, schools communities & places of employment. 👩🏿🦰🧑🏻🦳🧑🏿🦲Racial barriers still contribute significantly to mental health care access and treatment. These barriers amongst many others are disheartening. Yet, I stand firm in the fact that more mental health care practitioners are needed in government sectors. Further, we need to embrace working in a multidisciplinary setting. Primary interventions are the most effective: ~ To collect meaningful data in case management. ~ Assess community needs. ~ To continue amplifying programs raising awareness on mental health matters. ~ To continue to empower our communities mainly the disadvantaged areas. ~ To encourage active participation in community awareness programs and support groups. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #Psychology #Collaboration #Unity #InitiativeOfChange #CommunityCare #DisadvantagedCommunities

Powerful words from Michael Elwan here.

Breaking Down Barriers: Access to Mental Health Services Every individual deserves the right to mental health support, yet for many, this remains a distant reality. HBHM (Healthy Body, Healthy Mind) Charity Organization in Canada is dedicated to tackling this challenge head-on by advocating for greater accessibility and affordability of mental health services. This article delves into the complex landscape of mental health care, exploring how we can collectively overcome the barriers that prevent so many from receiving the help they need. Understanding the Barriers to Mental Health Care Stigma and Social Perception Despite growing awareness, stigma still surrounds mental health. Personal stories from individuals within our community reveal the deep-seated prejudices and misunderstandings that people face, often exacerbating their struggles and deterring them from seeking help. Economic and Systemic Obstacles For many, especially those grappling with poverty, the costs associated with mental health services can be prohibitive. Our analysis includes data highlighting how socioeconomic status impacts access to mental health care, with a closer look at policy gaps that need urgent redress. Innovative Solutions to Enhance Accessibility Community-Based Approaches HBHM champions community-driven initiatives that provide mental health services at local levels. We profile successful models that have made significant strides in removing barriers, such as mobile clinics and community centers offering free or low-cost counseling. Leveraging Technology and Telemedicine The rise of telemedicine has opened new avenues for delivering mental health care. We discuss the benefits and challenges of digital therapy platforms, using case studies to illustrate their effectiveness in reaching those in remote or underserved areas. The Path Forward: Policies and Proposals Advocacy for Better Funding and Policies To realize the vision of accessible mental health services for all, robust advocacy for better funding and supportive policies is crucial. Insights from experts in the field provide a roadmap for what can be done at both the governmental and community levels. The Role of Society in Mental Health Support The final piece of the puzzle is societal support. Engaging stories from those who have battled mental health issues underscore the powerful role that empathy and community solidarity play in healing and support. Conclusion Breaking down the barriers to mental health care is not just a matter of policy but of changing hearts and minds. By fostering an inclusive society that understands and prioritizes mental health, we can make significant strides towards a healthier, more compassionate world. Join HBHM in this vital mission—because everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. #MentalHealthAwareness #AccessToMentalHealth #Empathy @MentalHealthMatters

💔 A Quarter of a Million Children Still Waiting for Mental Health Support The recent blog post from the Children's Commissioner for England highlights a sobering statistic: over a quarter of a million children are currently on waiting lists for mental health support after being referred to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS). This is a critical issue that requires our immediate attention and action. Mental health is as important as physical health, yet too many children are left struggling without the necessary support. The prolonged wait times can exacerbate their conditions, leading to long-term impacts on their education, social relationships, and overall well-being. The Children’s Commissioner for England is calling for a bold, strategic 10-year plan for children and young people’s mental health, to ensure fewer children experience mental ill-health, and all who do receive excellent care; Reduced waiting times for mental health services, Support for children who do not meet the threshold for CAMHS, including through Early Support Hubs, Mental Health Support Teams and finally, Reforms to the Mental Health Act so that it is fit for the 21st century and accelerates the decrease in the number of children being inappropriately detained and restrained in mental health hospitals – with a view to supporting children at home or in the community. Key takeaways from the blog: Urgent Need for Investment: There is a pressing need for increased funding and resources in children's mental health services to reduce waiting times and provide timely interventions. Holistic Approach: Schools, communities, and healthcare providers must collaborate to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of children. Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing mental health issues early can significantly improve outcomes for children and reduce the long-term burden on mental health services. In my opinion for such an important topic now, the statistic that over a quarter of a million children are waiting for mental health support is deeply concerning. It highlights a critical gap in our healthcare system that needs urgent attention. Thanks to the Children’s Commissioner for highlighting the importance of this topic and addressing ways which we can improve this. 💬 Question for my network: Given the urgent need to support over a quarter of a million children currently waiting for mental health services, what innovative solutions or strategies do you believe could effectively reduce these wait times and improve access to mental health care for young people? #MentalHealth #ChildrensMentalHealth #SupportOurChildren #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthWellbeing #ChildrensCommissioner

Today under the Health Literacy and Leadership Program (HLLP) organized by the West African Institute of Public Health (WAIPH), we had an extensive peer conversation on several pressing public health issues while looking at them from different perspectives. Much appreciation goes to the Director General, Dr Francis O. and his entire team for providing such global avenue for the Young Professionals in Public Health (YPPH) to come together, network, learn and share ideas. One of the key topics discussed today by my group "UNDP" was on "Expanding Access to Mental Health Services". It is time to break down the barriers that limit access to support and treatment. Together, we can make a difference! 🤝 In summary, we need to know and promote the following; ✅Every individual deserves the right to mental well-being! 🌐 Access for All: Mental health services should be easily accessible, regardless of location or background. Let's advocate for telehealth options and community-based centers to bring support closer to everyone. 🗣️ End the Stigma: It's high time we erase the stigma surrounding mental health. This can be achieved by fostering open conversations and create a safe space for seeking help without fear or judgment. 💡 Education is Empowerment: Let's invest in mental health education. When we understand the signs and challenges, we can better support ourselves and those around us. 💪 Support Networks: From friends and family to online communities, let's build strong support networks. Together, we can provide comfort, understanding, and encouragement for each other.  🤼 Inclusivity Matters: Let's ensure that mental health resources are culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diversity of experiences and backgrounds. 🤗 Kindness and Empathy: A small act of kindness can make a huge difference. Let's be compassionate listeners and offer a helping hand to those who may be struggling. The person may be just next to you! 💙Join the movement to expand access to mental health support.💙 Let's create a world where seeking help is a sign of strength, and where no one feels alone on their mental health journey. Together, we can make change happen! #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheBarriers #EndTheStigma #YPPH23 #WAIPH #UniversalHealthCoverage #HealthLiteracy #HLLP