Far too often when I work with communities to improve mental health & wellbeing outcomes, I see groups eager to immediately write a Community Wellbeing Plan.
While this is a fantastic end goal it should never be where we start the journey. In order to be successful and achieve effective, long-lasting, sustainable change we need to do some critical work initially. The aim of this is to create buy-in, bring our communities along on the journey and ensure we set ourselves up to increase our chances for future funding.
I HEAR SO MANY COMMUNITIES & ORGANISATIONSTHAT:
Have tried initiatives and they have not achieved the outcomes they were hoping for
Have brought in a programme that was great while it happened but it feels like they have to start all over again
Have developed a plan that is never used and no one looks at
That is because there are 4 distinct stages in the process for improvement and ALL are important if you want to achieve a cultural shift and create long term improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
Communities often overlook this stage but is really critical if you are to have success with your initiatives later on.
It is important to recognise that the common thread for people utilising this framework is that they are passionate about wanting to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
So whether you are an educator, mental health advocate, health professional, work in law enforcement, part of a community group, a sporting club, someone with lived experience or someone who just cares enough to want to improve the statistics this stage is for you!!!
This is where you develop a team (or improve one you already have) that is going to create long lasting impact.
Check out my video below for more detailed information (and click on the Set up A Successful Mental Health Action Team Resource on the side to help you get started).
This stage is also super important (what am I saying… they all are). But the beauty of this stage is you get to start making things happen. We all know that when we first form a committee or Action Group we have ideas. Excitement is in the air and we are keen to start. This is where this all happens. But it is important to do it effectively.
At this stage you want to create small actions that create a big impact. It is not your action planning phase!!! Instead it is about creating simple yet effective immediate actions that can visibility for your team, a sense of achievement and can drive buy-in from your community. This is pivotal if you want them to come along on the journey and be your biggest supporters as you grow. I know this from experience because in my own town when I did this the community spontaneously donated $25000 because they noticed what was being done and knew it to be truly game-changing.
Click on my video below for more detailed information (and click on the Tier 3 Resource on the right if you would like a copy of my data collection tool to support your work in this stage).
This as you would guess is the stage we all think of when we think to improve Mental Health & Wellbeing across a community. During this stage we do write our Community Wellbeing Plan but it is about so much more than that, if we want it to be embedded across our community and create true change. Firstly, if you are at this stage first stop and consider whether you have done the first two. Seriously, have you done them??? (you will thank me later when funds flow in and you are embedded culture in your community).
If you have done the first two stages well you will have a plentiful amount of data and information to help feed into your decision making (that is well informed and considers not just the Action Team’s opinions but also considers the voice of the target groups you are looking to support).
During this stage you will determine clear priorities, objectives and strategies to achieve these focus areas. We often start with the strategies because that is the exciting part but it is important to develop well thought out priorities and objectives as they will be the backbone of your funding applications and communication campaigns.
Check out my video below for more detailed information (and click on the Community Mental Health Action Planning if you want to get started right away improving mental health and wellbeing in your community).
The final stage in the Framework is the Momentum phase. It is important to mention that you will go through these 4 stages many times as you create new Wellbeing Plans every 3 years based on current issues. You will also move in and out of the stages regularly and may even be in a few at the same time. That is all ok!
During the Momentum stage you will be sharing the draft copy of your plan with your community. You will be identifying stakeholders, community groups and organisations you can work with who can help you make the plan come to life (this shares the load but also gives groups buy in to being part of the process). Funding bodies look upon this favourably.
This is also a key time to engage with a Grant Writer; this is a key strategy for long term success!!!
Check out my video below for more detailed information (and click on the Set up A Successful Mental Health Action Team Resource on the side to help you get started).
Join the conversation to be part of the movement to prioritise mental health & wellbeing across every community!
TOGETHER, WE CAN TURN THIS VISION INTO A REALITY
(Share this with anyone you know who has a passion for improving mental health outcomes)
AND IF THIS STRIKES A CHORD WITH YOU AND YOU WOULD LOVE TO KNOW ALL THAT CAN BE DOWN TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ACROSS COMMUNITIES GRAB MY CHECKLIST & BONUS VIDEO BELOW
