What is Mental Health Community Based Services?
The Mental Health Community Based Services supports families, carers, children and young people (16-24 years) affected by a mental illness with a particular focus on Indigenous families and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Funded projects target prevention and early intervention and form part of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 - 2011.
Responsibility for the Mental Health Community Based Services rests with the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Why is this program important?
Family members and carers are often at the centre of community-based mental health care, providing the bulk of support and assistance, with limited specialised training and support of their own.
Family members, carers and young people can be significantly impacted when a family member suffers from a mental illness. They have their own needs and issues to attend to and can experience confusing and overwhelming feelings such as stress, anxiety, depression, concern, and frustration in their caring role. Families and carers need adequate education and support from within the community to help them to manage.
Family members and carers who are educated, trained and feel supported are able in turn to provide more effective support. This contributes to the long term wellbeing and rehabilitation of the person with a mental illness. Funded projects target prevention and early intervention of mental illness and promote resilient families and communities.
Who will benefit?
The Mental Health Community Based Services supports families, carers, children and young people (aged 16-24) affected by mental illness, with a particular focus on Indigenous families and those from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
What will the Mental Health Community Based Services deliver?
The types of services provided through the initiative include, but are not limited to:
coping skills courses/workshops;
parenting skills courses;
resource and advice services;
support networks;
recreation programs;
mentoring programs;
community engagement programs; and
community awareness programs.
How does it work?
The Mental Health Community Based Services has been delivered in two phases.
Phase 1 of the program was implemented in June 2007 with the initiation of two high priority projects. The projects include:
Family Mental Health Support Services which provide support services to families affected by mental illness. This project is delivered in seven locations across Australia. These sites were chosen based on an identified need and presence of target groups, particularly Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse populations; and
Carers Workshops which assist family members and carers of a person with a mental illness to develop coping and management skills. This project is delivered nationally to areas of high need. The workshops were developed and implemented based on consultations with carers and consumers.
Phase 2 funded not-for-profit community based non-government organisations to provide local mental health services. Organisations could apply for funding for services in the range of $50,000 to $2,000,000.
What funding is attached to this initiative?
A total of $45.2 million has been allocated over five years to 2011 for this initiative.
When did the Mental Health Community Based Services start?
The design and implementation of the Mental Health Community Based Services commenced from 1 July 2006.
How is the Mental Health Community Based Services progressing?
Seven Family Mental Health Support Services commenced in May 2007. The Mental Health Council of Australia received Phase 1 funding to conduct 116 Carers Workshops throughout 2008-09. The outcomes of the Carer Workshops were documented in the release of Adversity to Advocacy report in October 2009.
Thirty eight successful service providers were announced in November 2007 as part of Phase 2, with services being delivered in all states and territories. Funded services include counselling, education, skills development, whole of family support, networking, awareness raising and social inclusion.
Further information
Further updated information can be obtained from the FaHCSIA website at http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/mentalhealth/progserv/mental_health_community_based_program/Pages/default.aspx
Page currency, Latest update: 31 May, 2010