Stretch2Engage

by Staff Member Brendan

Stretch 2 Engage is a framework that mental health, alcohol and drug services in Queensland can use to help improve their services. This is done by including both service users and their friends and families in designing the service and suggesting improvements. In other words “Everyone has a say.”

The Stretch 2 Engage methods are based on seven basic principles:

1. Stretch2Be Curious: Eager to know or learn

2. Stretch2Be Clear: Initiatives are transparent in their reason and are easily understood.

3. Stretch2Be Champion: Vigorously lead, promote and support the organisation in their engagement initiatives

4. Stretch2Be Creative: Use of imaginative methods to evoke new ideas

5. Stretch2Be Collective: Intentionally seek out and engage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences

6. Stretch2Be Comprehensive: Willing to explore all aspects and embrace divergent views

7. Stretch2Be Committed: Pledge to ongoing service engagement initiatives

The three organisations involved in the Program are the Acute Mental Health Unit (AMHU) of Toowoomba Base Hospital, the Toowoomba Clubhouse, and Sunrise Way. Here at Toowoomba Clubhouse staff members Brendan Schumann and CEO Deborah Bailey are facilitating the program.

The three services are finding ways to stretch engagement by asking “What Can We Do Better?”

One of the actions from our monthly Feedback to Action meetings was to hold quarterly member feedback sessions. Recently, our first feedback session was facilitated by Ben from Sunrise Way with a number of members joining in giving us either individual or group-based feedback.

From the information gathered, and the Stretch2Engage questions regularly posted on the Frontline whiteboard, a number of initiatives for service improvement have been noted and will be acted on.