Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with a person’s life experiences, including trauma, social circumstances and systemic barriers. However, mental health services are often designed with a narrow focus, neglecting the broader social determinants that contribute to wellbeing. This presentation will explore the need to rethink our approach and prioritise connective, human-centred digital solutions.

Drawing on her career spent working to improve life outcomes through government policy, experience and human behavioural and digital interaction lenses, Fiona will discuss:

• Why our current narrow thinking is re-traumatising people who are already struggling and failing to provide a pathway forward for those who are facing significant challenges. Drawing on insights from natural disasters, bereavement and victim support. 
• How a trauma-informed and systemically connected design can create mental health solutions that are accessible, effective and empathetic for everyone. Drawing on insights from Australia’s mental health gateway, Head to Health and Medicare Mental Health. 
• The findings of recent research into public and health professional attitudes towards mental health, the role of digital solutions, the systemic problems of demand, process and workforce – and how we might address them. 
• How to harness new emerging technologies to create a catalyst for thinking big and solving up-to-now intractable problems. 

In this presentation, Fiona will propose a vision for the future of mental health – one that embraces human-centred design, AI-driven accessibility and integrated digital service models. By considering mental health through a holistic lens, we can develop solutions that empower individuals and communities, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time.