Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia (MIFSA)

 

Strategic Directions 2006 - 2008

 

 

Provide effective advocacy on behalf of people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability.

 

 

Deliver effective services that meet the needs of our members and other people affected by mental illness with a primary focus on psychosocial supports, information and education.

 

 

Ensure our ongoing viability.

 

 

Retain our culture through a strong membership base and volunteer focus.

Strategy 1

 

Provide effective advocacy on behalf of people affected

by mental illness and psychiatric disability.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

OUTCOMES

PROJECTS

1.1    Influence professional and public opinion.

1.1.1               MIFSA provides people with accurate information about Mental Illness.

1.1.2               Health and community workers understand the need for psycho-social support.

1.1.3               MIFSA receives positive press coverage.

·           Develop a media strategy - public voice at forums, on radio, media releases, awareness sessions, local council newsletters, service groups.

·           Formal training of staff and volunteers in advocacy.

·           Encourage and support consumers to advocate on their own behalf – consumer consultants, peer-workers and co-facilitators.

1.2    Increase and strengthen linkages and representation with other relevant organisations.

1.2.1              MIFSA is a member of key committees of other relevant organisations.

1.2.2              Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) and GP networks generate resources and partnerships.

·           Build relationships with non government organisations.

·           Develop close linkages with GP Divisions of General Practice in relation to mental health.

1.3    Ensure linkages and access to expertise and knowledge of mental illness.

1.3.1               MIFSA is used by press for expert comment, and can be linked closely to mental health expertise.

·           Develop media relations guidelines for MIFSA.

1.4    Contribute to the sector-wide (State and National) planning and implementation of a more effective, comprehensive and sustainable range of services.

1.4.1               MIFSA continues to be involved at both State and National levels to influence the planning and implementation of services.

·           Continue to build relationships with Government departments, funding bodies, local MPs, health ministers.

Strategy 2

 

Deliver effective services that meet the needs of our members and other people affected by mental illness with a primary focus on psychosocial supports, information and education.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

OUTCOMES

PROJECTS

2.1    Trial and evaluate new programs.

2.1.1     New programs have been implemented and evaluated.

·           Needs analysis undertaken to determine what new programs should be implemented.

·           Implement and evaluate new programs that have been selected.

2.2    Continue to develop and implement peer support.

2.2.1     Peer support programs are developed and implemented.

·           Develop clear structures, policies and communication channels between staff, members and volunteers.

·           Establish a mentoring program promoting positive attitudes among peers.

2.3    Increase our capacity to assist people to self manage their illness and disability including access to other services they require.

2.3.1     Self-management is a key focus of all programs.

2.3.2     Strong linkages with a range of other services are continually developed.

·           Develop and implement strategies that target people who do not have access to MIFSA – outreach activities, publicity, promotion, networking and partnerships.

·           Develop a clear list of the range of services that people with Mental Illness require to manage their illness and disability.

2.4    Implement Service Excellence Framework (SEF) as a quality management tool.

2.4.1     Quality improvements are implemented according to the SEF across to the organisation.

2.4.1     All programs are evaluated for their effectiveness.

·           SEF reviewed annually.

·           Develop evaluation plans for all MIFSA programs.

Strategy 3

 

Ensure our ongoing viability.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

OUTCOMES

PROJECTS

3.1    Ensure appropriate resources including facilities, occupancy, staffing and finances.

3.1.1     Appropriate transport options are available to MIFSA.

3.1.2     Accessible physical locations are available for the delivery of all MIFSA services.

3.1.3     Staff turnover is low due to satisfaction.

3.1.4     MIFSA has a sound operational financial management system.

·           Review of physical locations and building resources is undertaken.

·           Strong governance arrangements are developed.

 

3.2    Raise our profile and promote our organisation.

3.2.1     MIFSA is well recognised and respected by government, non-government, private, organisations and the public.

3.2.2     Promotional strategies are developed and implemented.

3.2.3     MIFSA corporate identity is reviewed.

·           Develop a promotional plan that involves the use of media and information distribution.

·           A review of MIFSA corporate identity is to be undertaken.

·           Work in conjunction with the Mental Health Coalition f SA on the Service Integration Project. 

3.3    Pursue a diversity of funding.

3.3.1     MIFSA receives funding from a variety of sources such as fund raising, State and National government funding, corporate, research and other grants.

·           MIFSA develops strategies to pursue diverse funding streams.

·           MIFSA continues to support fund raising initiatives and the Sunflower shops.

 

Strategy 4

 

Retain our culture through a strong membership base and volunteer focus.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

OUTCOMES

PROJECTS

4.1    Build a vibrant and growing membership.

4.1.1     Membership grows each year and members are from all age groups.

·           A membership drive is developed and implemented. 

·           Health and community workers are encouraged to become involved as members of MIFSA.

4.2    Ensure members participate and shape the way the organisation operates and advocates

4.2.1               The views of members are influential in the development of MIFSA services, culture and programs.

4.2.2               Members are regularly surveyed and provided with information on MIFSA.

·           Review and assess the profile of members to develop strategies to provide services to members with different needs.

·           Develop a range of methods to engage membership feedback.


 

Strategy 4 (continued)

 

 

4.3    Ensure our volunteer base grows and is appropriately prepared.

 

 

 

 

 

4.3.1     Volunteers increase each year.

4.3.2               All volunteers receive training and ongoing support.

4.3.3               Volunteers are regularly acknowledged for their contribution to MIFSA.

·           Develop volunteer policies and guidelines.

·           Develop a volunteer training program particularly in respect to orientation and OHS issues.

·           Develop volunteer job descriptions.

·           Undertake an audit of volunteer skills.

·           Develop and implement promotional strategies to encourage more volunteer support.

·           Ensure all volunteers are on the mailing list.

·           Promote the work of volunteers in a regular column in the newsletter.

·           Explore the financial capacity of MIFSA to provide travel reimbursement for volunteers.