Combining mental health services and aged care
Integrating mental health services alongside disability and aged care will reinforce the holistic approach to client support, while also reaffirming mental health services as a core part of healthcare services.
Care Connect’s director of mental health services, Rachel Green.
To achieve this, community care provider, Care Connect, has placed national development high on its agenda with the appointment of a National Business Development Manager to lead its pursuit of cross state initiatives.
“Operating across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, Care Connect is seen increasingly as a national provider,” says Paul Ostrowski, Care Connect chief executive.
“Broadening and expanding our services – while remaining true to our purpose to support people to live their life, their way – is a key step towards Care Connect’s goal of becoming Australia’s leading independent guide to social services,” Mr Ostrowski says.
Care Connect’s director of mental health services, Rachel Green, will step into the new role in an acting capacity for 12 months – bringing to the position her extensive experience in policy and program development, and recovery oriented approaches.
Ms Green joined Care Connect in January last year. Her previous roles included supporting the development of the $2.2 Billion Mental Health Reform Budget Package as a policy adviser with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and establishing the National Mental Health Commission.
Care Connect will further develop mental health services under the leadership of Samantha Kolasa, state manager client services Victoria, and Helen Carter, state manager, client services, New South Wales and Queensland.
“It is our intention to accelerate our development of mental health services. However, with our recent successes, community mental health is moving from a developing to a core activity and henceforth will pass to the leadership of the state managers and their teams,” Mr Ostrowski says.
Between them, Ms Kolasa and Ms Carter have 40 years’ experience, in the community sector and state government, across aged, disability and mental health services.
“At Care Connect, we recognise that mental health is a key part of an individual’s wellbeing. Whether that relates to our clients, colleagues, or indeed – our own families, we are committed to providing those around us with the tools and resources they need to live to their absolute potential,” Ms Kolasa says.
