Rural mental health month: our commitment to regional Queensland

Imagine living in a place where accessing essential mental health support feels like an impossible challenge. For many regional and rural Queenslanders, this is a harsh reality. As we celebrate National Rural Health Month, selectability shines a light on individuals' unique mental health challenges in remote and regional areas while celebrating their remarkable resilience. For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to improving mental wellbeing and contributing to suicide prevention across regional Queensland. This month serves as a reminder of the work still needed and reaffirms our commitment.

Rural Queenslanders face a "triple health disadvantage"

Rural Australians experience a concerning "triple health disadvantage":

• Poorer social determinants of health
• Lack of service availability
• Higher costs of access and delivery

These challenges result in significant inequities in healthcare:

• Each person in rural and remote Australia misses out on nearly $850 per year of healthcare access, amounting to a shocking $6.5 billion annual underspend.
• Primary care barriers lead to higher rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations in remote areas, two to three times those in major cities.

These inequities translate into longer wait times, reduced access to GPs, specialists, and dental services, and lower private health insurance uptake. Additionally to these systemic issues are social factors like unemployment, lower incomes, and poorer digital connectivity, all of which exacerbate the mental health challenges faced by rural communities.

For more information about rural health and the broader context of healthcare inequities, visit the National Rural Health Alliance website.

selectability: a beacon of support for rural mental wellbeing

At selectability,?we stand with rural Queenslanders. We are proud to be one of the leading providers of mental health services across the state. Our extensive network of 16 regions and over 800 staff supports more than 2,000 individuals from Townsville to Mount Isa, Cairns to Rockhampton, and Palm Island. 

Our services include:

• NDIS supports to empower individuals with mental health conditions to live fulfilling lives.
• Group programs and community spaces like our Mental Health Hubs foster connection, skill development, and resilience.
• selectability Training (RTO 0281), equipping locals with skills to support mental wellbeing.
• We believe that all rural and regional Queenslanders deserve to access high-quality services locally and at every stage of their lives, so we have expanded our program to include child safety and residential aged care in the Lower Gulf.

Beyond programs, we highlight the resilience and strength of rural Queenslanders. Their stories are a testament to the power of accessible and compassionate mental health support.

Embracing regional and rural strengths

While facing many challenges, rural communities possess strengths that significantly contribute to mental wellbeing:

• A greater sense of belonging
• Less loneliness and more volunteering
• Stronger personal safety and work-life balance

selectability harnesses these strengths through our programs, fostering community resilience and personal growth. Our group activities are designed to promote social connection and improve quality of life.

A call to action: investing in rural mental health

National Rural Health Month is a call to action. The $6.5 billion healthcare funding gap is a stark reminder that rural Australians deserve equitable access to care. Together, we can advocate for the investment needed to close this gap and improve outcomes for rural Queenslanders.

You can help by:

• Donating to selectability, supporting vital programs and services.
• Volunteering your time and skills to make a difference in your community.
• Advocating for policy changes that prioritise rural mental health.
• Breaking down stigma by raising awareness and sharing stories using #RuralHealthMatters.

Standing together for a healthier future

selectability is dedicated in our mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their postcode, has access to quality mental health support. Through collaboration and advocacy, we can create a future where rural Queenslanders not only survive but thrive.

Join us this National Rural Health Month as we continue to champion mental wellbeing and suicide prevention across regional Queensland. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

For more information on our services visit Our Services.