Ep. 37 Dr Paul Denborough on mental health system reforms, human-centric care models and why early intervention is critical to recovery.

The final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System was tabled in a special sitting of the Victorian Parliament in March 2021.

The landmark final report outlines changes to create a future mental health and wellbeing system that provides holistic treatment, care and support for all - and a system that is finally co-designed by those who have lived experience of mental illness, so the services have the community, families and consumers at the centre of it. 

The Victorian government has since committed 1B dollars to implement the reforms.

One of the psychiatrists who provided key recommendations for the mental health reforms is Dr Paul Denborough, a Director at the Alfred Hospital and Headspace Australia, a specialist in anorexia treatment, and mental health expert who has worked with thousands of adolescents, young people and their families over decades. 

Paul also helped establish Discovery College - who create and run courses on mental health, recovery and well-being, and who help people come together to learn from each other, share experiences and reach new understandings of mental health.

In this conversation, Madeleine Grummet and Paul talk about the missing middle in the mental health system, why early intervention is so critical to recovery, and why Paul believes seeing the person, not the illness, is a more humanist, compassionate and personalised care model that should be available to all who are struggling with complex mental health challenges.

While Paul admits mental health crises and the pressures on professionals have skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are currently seeing a mental health tsunami as a direct result of the early 2020 bushfires, pandemic and the increased conversations around sexual assault, he ultimately has faith that we are moving toward a mental health and care model that has humans at its heart.

And a warning that this episode covers some heavy topics and themes. If you or anyone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Guest: Dr Paul Denborough
Socials: LinkedIn

Hosts: Sabina Read and Madeleine Grummet
Producer: Daryl Missen at Purple Wax

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