The HEEADSSS assessment tool has been identified as a key instrument in the early identification of mental health and Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) concerns, and therefore it is important that it can be accessed by the Primary Health workforce.
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) led a cross-agency project looking at improving services for young people with, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental health disorders. Expanded use of the HEEADSSS assessment is one of 22 initiatives to be implemented as part of the project.
A scoping document regarding the provision of nation-wide primary sector training on the HEEADSSS Assessment tool was commissioned by Health Workforce New Zealand in 2012 and led to the request for The Werry Centre to implement the training. The appointment of a Project Manager to develop this work is currently being finalised. A project plan has been developed. The development of the content of the training and promotion of workshops and an E-Learning programme will commence shortly. The workshops will be offered at two levels, for Practitioners new to HEEADSSS Assessment, and those who have been already using this framework as part of their practice. We envisage offering workshops from late June.
The target audiences for training include health practitioners with demonstrated competencies in health, and in particular, youth health; working in school based, welfare and primary health settings, including General Practice. Target audiences therefore include School nurses, School Counsellors, Youth Workers, Practice Nurses, General Practitioners, and Social workers.
For further information please contact Dr Bronwyn Dunnachie, Senior Advisor (b.dunnachie@auckland.ac.nz).
Upcoming Events
Rick Whiteside’s Family Therapy 123
Monday-Friday, 10-14 June 2013
Auckland
This five-day training in Auckland by an NZAFT Approved Trainer provides sufficient credits of family therapy training to qualify participants as Clinical Family Therapy Members of NZAFT. Be sure to register as soon as possible because the course has filled early in previous years.
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