Mental Health Sector Profile - Families

The families of consumers are an important part of the Mental Health sector. As well as delivering quality services, the primary and secondary sectors have a responsibility to ensure that families are involved as much as possible in the planning, development and delivery of mental health services in the District. While families are often the focus of the work done with any consumer in a clinical setting the meaning of the term in a mental health context often extends to including partners, friends, workmates and colleagues.

The SDHB Mental Health service supports families through the employment of a Family Advisor and by supporting the activities of other local family forums and groups. Family representation is also a priority for the Southland Mental Health Network.

The SDHB also supports families by contracting with community based providers who deliver education, advocacy and support services to families in the Southland District.

Family representatives on the Future Directions Network are:

Sandy Dawson, Operations Manager - Supporting Families Southland
366 Dee Street
Invercargill
Phone: +64 03 218 2100 or 0800 494 262
Fax: +64 03 218 2104
Email: sandy@sfsouthland.org.nz
Web: www.sfsouthland.org.nz

NRG representative:

Sharon Morrison, Family Advisor - SDHB
P.O.Box 828
Invercargill
Phone: +64 03 214 5786 or 0800 443 366 Extension 8364
Fax: +64 03 218 1059
Email: sharon.morrison@sdhb.govt.nz
Web: www.sdhb.govt.nz