Contacting the CVP

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FAQs

The Community Visitor Program is a free service for any person receiving treatment from NT Mental Health Services, or any person with a 'genuine interest' in a person receiving treatment.

Can I call the Community Visitor Program at any time?
- Yes, you can contact the CVP anytime.
  The phone to the CVP will be answered any time between 8 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday (except on public holidays).
  Any phone calls after hours are recorded on the answering machine for the Anti-Discrimination Commission and will be followed up by a community visitor on the next business day.
Who can contact the CVP?
- Any person receiving treatment from Health Services can contact the CVP. In addition, any person with a “genuine interest” in a person receiving treatment can contact us. This applies to people who care for a person with mental illness, friends and support people as well as people who are providing services to a person or people with mental illness (including mental health service staff). This also applies to person’s in Disability Services.
  If in doubt you can call the CVP.
Can a family member contact the CVP on my behalf?
- Yes, as long as you have given them permission to do this.
  As the Mental Health and Related Services Act provides that any person “with a genuine interest” in the person receiving treatment can contact the CVP.
  Once we have ensured that you have given your permission, we are happy to provide all relevant information to your appointed family member.
  If I make a complaint to the CVP, will it affect the way mental health staff treat me?
  No, you do not need to be concerned about this happening.
  Sometimes people are afraid to complain to a community visitor for fear that they will branded a “troublemaker” and suffer adverse consequences as a result of their complaint.
  However, we have never had this reported to us, or seen evidence of this. Infact, most people report that they have a better relationship with service staff once their concerns have been addressed.
What does it cost to call the CVP and ask for assistance?
- It is a free service.
Are CVP services confidential?
- Yes, we value your privacy. We only use the information you give to us to perform the service you have requested. We do not divulge information unless there is reason to believe there is a risk of harm, or where the law mandates reporting.

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Contacting the CVP

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