It can be hard navigating the many support services that are out there to help people with their mental health and wellbeing.The WayAhead Directory developed organically as a response to a need in the community for a little bit of help when finding the right support.
The WayAhead Directory is a free online tool that can help people find services based on their geographical location and the type of service they are looking for.
Even if you are familiar with the WayAhead Directory, there are a few changes that might make searching for what you need an even better experience.
Over the last few months, we have been working to make the WayAhead Directory even easier to use.
We have developed a guide to how to best use the directory, based on either location or search categories.
Search categories for services are broad and can encompass many areas, including different kinds of diagnoses, specific population groups, psychological treatments, other health services and more. The guide also shares some tips that make searching the Directory even easier.
The directory can help people experiencing distress or those supporting them
For Marge Jackson, Senior Manager at WayAhead, the WayAhead Directory offers an important service to those who need some help.
“In Australia, we have a complex mental health system and so it can be really difficult for people to find what they need, particularly in times of acute distress. The WayAhead Directory offers people options for what might help them. Being able to make your own choices is often a vital part of the recovery journey for many people,” said Marge.
“The WayAhead Directory gives people a range of options that might go beyond their initial search so that they can discover new services, health providers or support services that might also be able to help them.”
Along with changes to the website, we have also been reaching out to other health and community service providers with our brand new collateral. Our bright new posters and Mental Health Information Cards are available for organisations and workplaces to order and share with their clients, along with a WayAhead Directory website widget for organisations to embed on their own websites.
“We have found that doctors and other health care workers or service providers like having the WayAhead Directory widget available on their websites. They use it to search for other services to refer their patients onto for further help and support,” said Marge.
Sharing your thoughts
We have also been rolling out opportunities for users to provide feedback on their experiences with using the WayAhead Directory. On every page, there is a “Feedback” tab on the right-hand side that can be clicked to provide written feedback. Insights from users are incredibly useful in making sure that we continue to deliver a great experience in helping people find what they need.
There is also a tab in the bottom-left corner of every page that says “We Are Here”, that visitors to the Directory can click on and type in their question. WayAhead staff will respond in real time to help them with their search.
People can also call the WayAhead office during business hours on 1300 794 991 to have someone support them through finding the right services listed in the WayAhead Directory.
Visit the WayAhead Directory at: https://directory.wayahead.org.au/
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