Our Vision and Mission
MHCC Vision
We strive to be part of a society that values and includes each individual, and provides equal access to appropriate and effective services.
Our vision for mental health in NSW
Mental health is about social inclusion. The evidence shows that consumers provided with well-planned, individualised, and comprehensive support in the community have a better quality of life, improved functioning, and fewer re-admissions to hospital. The NGO sector is ideally placed to provide this support.
We now know that most people diagnosed with mental illness do recover. We also know that social inclusion helps recovery, social exclusion impedes recovery, and society’s attitudes influence how well people recover. Recovery is not just about decreasing symptoms. It is about developing individual ways to lead a fulfilling life whilst managing the effects of mental illness. It is about self determination.
In the research, successful recovery has been linked with: secure and stable housing; close personal relationships; meaningful work (or other activity); opportunity to purposefully contribute to the community; timely access to services; and freedom from fear of exposure to stigma and discrimination.
As recovery is so strongly linked to social connection and social inclusion, it makes sense that recovery must take place in the community.
Valuing our sector
The NSW Mental Health NGO sector is a crucial part of the mental health system. Our members contribute to improved outcomes for people experiencing mental illness, their families and carers.
Our sector is flexible and responsive to the needs of consumers, their families and carers. One of its key strengths is the inclusion of consumers and carers in planning and developing services.
Mission statement
The Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) is the peak body for Community Managed Organisations in NSW. MHCC provides leadership and representation on mental health issues and supports the growth and development of the community sector to better support people with mental health problems, their families and carers.
Principles
- Mental health is about the whole person - psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
- Consumer and carer input is central to mental health and service delivery.
- All communities need the range of mental health services to meet their local needs.
- An across-governmental approach to mental health promotion and service delivery is required.
Objectives
- Provide leadership and representation.
- Improve the community’s mental health by facilitating NGO sector development.
- Involve consumers and carers in policy development.
- Influence public policy.
- Facilitate effective linkages between the government, NGO, and private sectors.
- Promote an across-government approach to mental health services.