​Two new resources exploring the mental health needs of older people in NSW have been launched today by Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies.

“A decline in mental health should not be seen as simply part of the ageing process,” Mrs Davies said.

“We need to call out ageist attitudes when we see them and do all we can to improve supports for older people living with, or at risk of developing, mental illness.”

The resources, Living Well in Later Life: The case for change and an accompanying Statement of Principles, published by the Mental Health Commission of NSW, further guide the NSW mental health reform process.

“The documents foster an understanding of the mental health needs of older people and will better inform services, policy makers, consumers and carers about these needs,” Mrs Davies said.

Mrs Davies joined NSW Mental Health Commissioner John Feneley at Parliament House in Sydney today to launch Living Well in Later Life.

“The Commission calls upon all organisations working with older people to adopt the vision outlined in the Statement of Principles and identify the necessary funding, training, and education resources, to imbed them in their practices and programs,” Mr Feneley said.

As part of the NSW Government’s decade-long whole-of-government enhancement of mental health care, an additional $2.4 million for older peoples’ community mental health services was allocated in the recent 2017-18 Budget.

This is in addition to existing funding of $5 million per year to support many of the key directions outlined in the resources.

“We are delivering better access to mental health services for older people, including individualised assessments and local specialised teams comprising medical, nursing and allied health professionals,” Mrs Davies said.

Living Well in Later Life: The case for change and the Statement of Principles are available at NSW Mental Health Commission.