Health Minister Michael Ferguson will release the government’s Rethink Mental Health plan on Friday. The document will provide a detailed roadmap of changes to be made in the sector over the next 10 years.

The strategy was developed after six months of consultation supplemented by a literature review and has been hailed by Mr  Ferguson as the pathway to improvement.

Other changes outlined within Rethink Mental Health include the establishment of early referral pathways, especially following a suicide attempt or self-harm, and the establishment of a peer workforce in public mental health services to complement the existing workforce.

Also to come will be the strengthening of mental health services for infants, children and young people and their families and carers, and the creation of a joint workforce development strategy for public mental health services and the private mental health sector, including the establishment of joint psychiatrist positions.

Mr Ferguson said the government had already provided significant additional resources in the mental health sector, and  further funding would be provided as part of the normal budget process in the future.

‘‘This long-term plan provides a strategic framework to guide investment decisions into the future. Additional resources will be provided as part of the normal budget process over future years,’’ he said.

‘‘Improved mental health is not only about resourcing, it is also about ensuring we have an integrated mental health system that provides support in the right place, at the right time, and with clear signposts about where to get help and how.’’

Implementation of the Rethink Mental Health  plan will be led by the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist and the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate.