​This week in Brisbane, as part of Mental Health Week, the Government unveiled a plan to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders by taking early action.

It was also announced that more than $450,000 in funding to improve mental health through greater social inclusion and community participation, particularly in regional areas would be allocated, creating a Mental Health Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention Action Plan 2015-17 which is considered to be another milestone in mental health reform after the Government introduced Queensland's Mental Health Bill 2015 and released a Suicide Prevention Action Plan last month.

Around 900,000 Queenslanders live with mental illness of differing types and severity. The Action Plan focuses on supporting Queenslanders to start well, develop and learn well, work well, live well and age well, and supports the dynamic mental health needs throughout a person's life. It acknowledges that often the best opportunity to make a positive and meaningful difference to a person's wellbeing arises long before they ask for help.

"While we must continue our efforts to deliver quality frontline services to those experiencing a mental illness, it is equally important that we work together to promote positive mental health, prevent the onset of mental health problems where possible, and intervene early to reduce the impact and severity of mental illness" said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick.

The Early Action Plan was developed by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and included commitments from a number of government departments as a first step to a more coordinated and focused approach to promoting mental health and wellbeing, and reducing the incidence and impact of mental illness. The commission was headed by Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck.

The Action Plan includes a grants program administered by the Queensland Mental Health Commission which has already delivered $1.48 million for local initiatives that promote good mental health and wellbeing.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck said 14 organisations out of 34 applicants would receive grants of up to $50,000 in the latest round of funding.

To view the Queensland Mental Health Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention Action Plan 2015-17 visit here.

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