Further support for drug and alcohol treatment unveiled on World Mental Health Day

• Queensland Mental Health Week 2023 is held from Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 October, encompassing World Mental Health Day today on 10 October.
• Queensland’s Minister for Health and Mental Health has unveiled further support for alcohol and other drug treatment and support, through the $1.64 billion Better Care Together plan.
• This includes $47.9 million to boost treatment services, and a further $1 million to continue the Keep an eye on your drinking campaign.

Queensland Mental Health Week 2023 has begun, offering an important awareness event that encourages people to check in on their mental health and wellbeing.

Today is also World Mental Health Day, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness for mental health issues and celebrate the vital work of professionals and stakeholders who are caring for people.

Queensland’s Health Minister, Shannon Fentiman, today acknowledged in Parliament those living with mental health conditions, mental health professionals, those whose lived experience is contributing to reform, and those living with problematic alcohol and other drug misuse.

Further support was announced for alcohol and other drug treatment services, including $47.9 million to be invested in 2023-24.

In addition to funding 41 additional frontline staff, the funding will go towards boosting non-government residential rehabilitation and withdrawal management services, to enhance delivery of safe and contemporary models of care.

Specialist alcohol and other drug responses in EDs are also being expanded, to better support people presenting to hospital with problematic alcohol or other drug issues.

The funding will also support non-government organisations to encourage people with lived and living experience of alcohol and other drug use in policy, planning, and service delivery.

The Minister also announced a further $1 million to continue the Keep an eye on your drinking social marketing campaign, which aims to raise awareness about risky alcohol consumption and drive a cultural shift towards healthier behaviours.

In 2022, 1.5 million (one in three) Queenslanders exceeded the risky drinking guideline.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping Queenslanders improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing.

“World Mental Health Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and provides an opportunity for all Queenslanders to learn how to sustain their wellbeing.

“This week, I am announcing a series of initiatives being rolled out across Queensland through our $1.64 billion Better Care Together plan.”

“We know that problematic alcohol and substance use can have a profound impact on families, workplaces, and communities.”

“That is why we are investing almost $48 million over the next year to further support alcohol and other drug treatment services, and to support improvements in how services are planned and delivered.”

“This massive investment will make a real difference in the lives of people with lived and living experience of alcohol and other drug misuse.”

“We know that alcohol consumption that exceeds the national guidelines poses several risks to individuals’ own health, that of their families, and of the broader community.

“This is why we are providing $1 million to continue the Keep an eye on your drinking campaign”

“Our research shows that some Queenslanders are concerned about their drinking habits and want to take steps to reduce their alcohol consumption, while others are not aware their drinking may be harmful to themselves and others.”

Background

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call 000.

For more information about Queensland Mental Health Week, visit https://www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au/.

For more information about Shifting minds: The Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, visit https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/shifting-minds-2023-2028.

Safe media reporting

Visit the Mindframe website at https://mindframe.org.au/ for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and problematic alcohol and other drug use.

ENDS