Alternative First Responders: why health-led responses matter

Australians for Mental Health's Executive Director, Chris Gambian, in conversation with Chloe Fragos, Campaign Lead for Alternative First Responders, by the National Justice Project.

Together, we will explore why momentum is growing for alternatives to police-led responses, what the evidence tells us, and how health-led (rather than police-led) models can deliver safer, more effective outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

In December, Australians for Mental Health ran a national survey with nearly 200 members responding to questions about how services could better respond to people experiencing a mental health emergency. The results were clear and overwhelming.

76.71% of respondents strongly agreed that a health-led approach is the best way to respond to people in mental health crisis.

Chris Gambian and Chloe Fragos will discuss the research behind the Alternative First Responders campaign, the key recommendations, and what collective action and advocacy could look like to help drive real system change.

Please note meeting times in your local area:

NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS (AEDT)
5pm to 6pm

SA (ACDT)
4.30pm to 5.30pm

QLD (AEST)
4pm to 5pm

NT (ACST)
3.30pm to 4.30pm

WA (AWST)
2pm to 3pm