LOCAL mental health pioneer Dr Jon Williams has been recognised in the 2013 Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards.
Dr Williams, who specialises in child and adolescent mental health, was highly commended in the awards that recognise excellence, innovation and outstanding contribution to the mental health sector.
Dr Williams’ recognition was in addition to 27 finalists spread over 11 categories.
The winners of each category were announced yesterday at the University of Western Australia and each received a $1000 prize and an art trophy designed by the staff and consumers of Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts.
Dr Williams was the Peel region’s first child psychiatrist and co-founder of the Peel Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, and provides holistic psychiatric care to children and young people who have acute and chronic mental health difficulties.
He has collaborated widely with community groups and healthcare professionals, including the Princess Margaret Hospital Eating Disorders team, where he established care in the community for children with severe eating disorders.
An advocate for GPs to have greater knowledge about children’s mental health concerns, Dr Williams presents GP training modules and has been described as a great supervisor and teacher.
Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the high calibre of entries showed the commitment and dedication displayed by Western Australians who support people with a mental illness.
“Their achievements demonstrate that the provision of appropriate care and support systems enables people with mental illness or mental health problems to recover and live full and productive lives in the community.”
The awards were held during Mental Health Week, which runs from October 6-13.
Winners of the 2013 Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards:
West Australian Newspapers Limited Award for consumer involvement and engagement
Amanda Waegeli
SonShine FM Award for family and carers involvement and engagement (individual and group)
Debra Sobott
Edith Cowan University Award for prevention, promotion and/or early intervention service or program
Joint winners: Metropolitan Cemeteries Board and Regional Men’s Mental Health Initiative - Wheatbelt Men’s Health
John Da Silva Award for improved Outcomes in Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing
Alive and Kicking Goals
GESB Award for improved outcomes in seniors mental health
Tuart Place
Dr Mark Rooney Award for improved outcomes in child and youth mental health sponsored by the Commissioner for Children & Young People
Youth Focus
University of Western Australia, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Award for excellence in rural and remote mental health
Rural Community Support Services
St John of God Health Care mental health employee of the year
Rhonda McCullagh
Mental Health Advisory Council for recovery-focused service or program
Assertive Community Team – Rockingham Kwinana Mental Health Service
WA Equal Opportunity Commissioner Award for human rights, equity and diversity in mental health
Association for services to torture and trauma survivors
McCusker Charitable Foundation Award for excellence
Professor Tony Henderson