Connections Program Wins ACI Award
Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) and Mission Australia's Connections in the Far West Program in Broken Hill has won the prestigious Agency for Clinical Innovation's (ACI) Health Innovation Award for 2020.
Social isolation and loneliness has been an ongoing issue for people with mental illness, particularly after-hours and during weekends. 'Connections' is a peer-led, peer-designed program aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness, improving social connectedness, sense of belonging and works as an alternative to a presentation at the Emergency Department.
Far West LHD's Chief Executive, Mr Umit Agis, said: 'It is indeed an honour for our Connections in the Far West Program to have received this state-wide recognition and is a reinforcement of the wonderful work being done across the district to promote better health outcomes aligned to our vision of 'Excellence in Rural & Remote Health'. We are also grateful for our continued partnership with Mission Australia and the relentless efforts of the teams involved,' said Mr Agis.
Chelsea Edwards, Manager of Consumer and Carer Engagement MHDA, FWLHD, said the success of program is a testament to the wonderful partnership between Mission Australia and the Far West Local Health District and to the resilience and courage of the people who access the program.
'It is such a privilege to support some of the most resilient people I know in our community in partnership with Mission Australia. I am very proud to bring this award home and showcase how well the Far West works collaboratively and the amazing outcomes we have seen with all our hard work,' said Mrs Edwards.
Jenna Bottrell, Area Manager of the Connections Program, Mission Australia said: 'We are so thrilled to be recognised for the work we've been doing alongside the FWLHD and locals experiencing loneliness in Broken Hill. Even throughout COVID-19, our wonderful peer support workers have rapidly adapted to continue providing high quality support and mentoring to reduce the impact of restrictions and lockdowns on locals who are feeling disconnected, isolated and facing mental health challenges. This award really is the cherry on top of several years working together to strengthen the wellbeing of our local community.'
In 2020, Far West LHD and Mission Australia produced a video to showcase the program and the great partnership. The program was also presented to the ACI Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare Forum in July 2020 and will be presented to the International Mental Health Forum later this year.