Mental health is not something that exists separately from everyday life.

It can affect how we communicate, build relationships, manage routines, participate in our community and work towards our goals.

For people living with disability or psychosocial disability, having the right support can make an important difference — but good support starts with something very simple:

Listening.

On 10 October 2026, World Mental Health Day will focus on the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.” The campaign calls for people with lived experience of mental health conditions to have a meaningful role in shaping the policies, services and decisions that affect them. World Health Organization

For Nurse Assist 24/7, this message aligns closely with an important principle of disability support: the person should always be at the centre of their support.

Being heard is part of being supported

Sometimes, support can become focused on appointments, schedules, care plans and services.

These things matter.

But there is also the person behind the plan.

What do they want?

What matters to them?

What makes them feel comfortable?

What are they finding difficult?

What would help them feel more confident or connected?

Listening to these experiences can help create support that is more personal and meaningful.

The World Health Organization’s 2026 campaign highlights lived experience as an important form of expertise and calls for people with lived experience to be involved in decisions about mental health services. World Health Organization

Mental wellbeing and disability support are connected

For someone living with disability, mental wellbeing can be influenced by many aspects of everyday life.

Feeling isolated.

Losing confidence.

Having difficulty communicating.

Changes in routine.

Managing complex health needs.

Finding it difficult to access the community.

Navigating services and NDIS supports.

These experiences can affect how someone feels and participates in daily life.

That is why disability support should look beyond completing tasks.

At Nurse Assist 24/7, our approach includes supporting participants with daily living, community participation, skill development, nursing care and Support Coordination, with a focus on dignity, independence and meaningful participation. Nurse Assist 247

The importance of connection

Connection matters.

A conversation with a trusted support worker.
A community outing.
Learning a new skill.
Taking part in an activity.
Having someone listen without rushing.

These everyday moments can help people feel included and connected.

Nurse Assist 24/7’s existing support approach recognises the importance of social connection, confidence and community participation alongside practical support. Nurse Assist 247

And this is particularly relevant across communities such as Rockingham, Mandurah, Kwinana and Fremantle, where local mental health and community services form part of the wider support network available to people and families. South Metropolitan Health Service, for example, provides community mental health services across the Peel and Rockingham Kwinana communities. South Metropolitan Health Service

What does person-centred support look like?

Being person-centred means remembering that no two people experience disability or mental health challenges in exactly the same way.

Good support starts by understanding the individual.

It means:

• Listening to what the person says.
• Respecting their choices and preferences.
• Supporting their independence.
• Encouraging meaningful community participation.
• Communicating clearly with families and support networks.
• Recognising that the person is more than their disability or diagnosis.

Nurse Assist’s Support Coordination approach similarly focuses on helping participants understand their options, coordinate services and build greater independence. The organisation also provides psychosocial disability support through its Support Coordination services. Nurse Assist 247

You don’t have to have all the answers

Supporting someone’s mental wellbeing does not mean having to become a mental health professional.

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can do is notice, listen and take the person seriously.

If someone is experiencing ongoing distress or needs professional mental health support, appropriate health services should be involved. WA Health advises people not to wait until things become severe before seeking support. Access Health WA

For people in crisis or immediate danger, emergency assistance should be sought by calling 000.

This World Mental Health Day, listen differently

The message for World Mental Health Day 2026 is bigger than simply talking about mental health.

It is about making sure people with lived experience are not only heard, but that their experiences help shape the support they receive. World Health Organization

For families, carers, support workers and providers, that means creating more opportunities to listen.

Ask questions.

Give people time to respond.

Respect their choices.

Notice what matters to them.

And most importantly, remember that the person receiving support should have a voice in how that support looks.

At Nurse Assist 24/7, we believe meaningful support begins with understanding the person behind the support plan.

Because when people are heard, support becomes more personal.

And when support is personal, people can have greater opportunity to live with dignity, confidence and connection.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s listen.

Lived experiences heard. Real voices. Real change.