northern sydney mental health respite project final report ...

MHRP Final ReportNorthside Community Forum Inc.Appendix 7: TOOL – Project OverviewNorthern Sydney Mental Health Respite ProgramResearch ProjectWestWood Spice, Human Services consultants, have been contracted by NorthsideCommunity Forum (NCF) to undertake a research project in connection with theirrecent allocation of funding under the Mental Health Respite Program (MHRP). Thisprogram is targeted at carers of people with a severe mental illness/psychiatricdisability and carers of people with an intellectual disability.What Is The Project About?The project targets the respite needs of carers of people with a mentalillness/psychiatric disability in particular, in the Northern Sydney area covering the 11LGA’s of Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku­ring­gai, Lane Cove, Manly, Mosman, NorthSydney, Pittwater, Ryde, Warringah and Willoughby. Our key investigative questionsfocus on the following areas:· What exists at present? ­ Demographic information, general mental healthservices and carer support· What are the preferences? – For carers, for people who have a mental healthissue. Are there particular priorities?· Who can deliver? – Current providers, potential new providers· What are the critical issues?What is Happening?The major tasks will be:· A brief literature review and analysis of demographic information· Interviews with a selected group of key informants· 3 focus groups for carers – one in each of Hornsby/Ku­ring­gai, Lower NorthShore and Northern Beaches· One Service Provider Forum· A consumer/advocate focus group/meeting· Preparation of a Final ReportKey ContactsSue Warth – Mob: 0413 940 774 and Joan McGilvray – Mob: 0416 134 422 are theconsultants from WestWood Spice.The Northside Community Forum contact is Irena Liddell, Executive Officer ­9415 4855.49