Welcome to the MH-CoPES Project

MH-CoPES stands for Mental Health Consumer Perceptions and Experiences of Services. The Project is being coordinated by the NSW Consumer Advisory Group – Mental Health Inc. in partnership with the Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Office, NSW Department of Health.

Consumers and services in Greater Western Area Health Service and Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service are currently participating in the trial of MH-CoPES. For more information about the Project, see the MH-CoPES brochure, or click here to go to the NSW CAG’s website http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/members/nswcag/Projects/Projects_MH-CoPES.htm

The Project is about developing and testing a way for consumers to voice their experiences of using mental health services, and for services to listen and then make improvements based on the consumer experience. To assist this, the MH-CoPES Framework has been developed which works through four steps:

  1. Consumers expressing their views about mental health services
  2. Grouping and organising the information so that it can be reported and used to improve services;
  3. Reporting this grouped information back to services, consumers, and the Area; and
  4. Consumers and services working together to improve services.

    This process doesn’t stop, providing a constant way for consumers to have their say about services and for services and consumers to work together to make and monitor improvements.

    To assist in hearing from consumers about what it is like to use services, the MH-CoPES Questionnaire was developed. Consumers, service providers, and other interested parties were involved in the development of both the Framework and Questionnaires.

    Here in Orange we are conducting a trial of the MH-CoPES Framework and Questionnaires. This trial has started, with MH-CoPES Questionnaires being distributed to consumers from Canobolas Clinic, Poplars, Turon, Manara, Kallara, Endeavour House, Cadia House and the Curran Centre. As part of the Project Team, the following five Consumer Project Workers are distributing Questionnaires and supporting consumers to complete the Questionnaire:

    • Jenny Coleman, Consumer Consultant, Orange
    • Linda Plicha, Consumer Consultant, Bathurst
    • Brian Duff, Consumer Consultant, Cowra
    • Claudette Elliot, Mid Western CAG
    • Frank Hayes , Mid Western CAG

    These Consumer Project Workers are doing an amazing job, and consumers on the ground are already voicing their appreciation for the support. One consumer said to a Consumer Project Worker who had helped to complete the Questionnaire “Thank you very much. You made my life a lot easier.”

    Already we have had a great response from consumers and staff.

    As we go through the trial, we will keep you updated – so watch this space!

    And, in the meantime, don’t forget to fill in and return your MH-CoPES Questionnaire.
    Your opinion really matters and will help to improve mental health services.

    If you are interested in having an interview with the Project Team from NSW CAG,
    please call them on 02 9332 0243.

    For more information about MH-CoPES, please contact:




    Karen Oakley, Project Officer,
    MH-CoPES, NSW CAG – koakley@nswcag.org.au; ph: 02 9332 0243

    Rebecca Doyle, Research Assistants,
    MH-CoPES, NSW CAG – rdoyle@nswcag.org.au or ph: 02 9332 0243

    Meg Simpson,
    Coordinator Mental Health Promotion & Prevention Unit (MHPPU)
    Eastern & Southern Clusters Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS)
    , Meg.Simpson@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au; ph: 02 6360 7857

    Julie Proctor,
    Information & Resources Officer, Mental Health Promotion & Prevention Unit (MHPPU)
    Eastern & Southern Clusters Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS)
    Julie.Proctor@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au; ph: 02 6360 7986