What is the Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program?
The Support for Day to Day Living (D2DL) in the Community - Structured Activity Program aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness through the provision of structured and socially based day programs.
This program forms part of the Commonwealth's component of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 - 2011.
Responsibility for the Day to Day Living Program rests with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Why is this important?
People with severe mental disorders face significant obstacles participating in social activities. This initiative recognises that meaningful activity and social connectedness are important factors that can contribute to people's recovery.
The Day to Day Living Program aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people with severe and persistent mental illness who experience social isolation through the provision of structured and socially based activity programs where individuals can participate in social rehabilitation activities and gain independent living skills.
Who benefits?
Through structured and socially based programs, the Day to Day Living Program aims to assist people who have a severe and persistent mental illness:
- which limits their ability to function in the community;
- who experience social isolation in the community due to lack of social supports; and/or
- who have a level of disability which will restrict their capacity to obtain employment in the open labour market in the foreseeable future.
What will the Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program deliver?
The Day to Day Living Program will deliver an additional 6,968 places in new and existing structured and social based day activity programs over the period 2007-2009. In doing this the program aims to:
- support people with severe and persistent mental illness who experience social isolation;
- increase the ability of people with severe and persistent mental illness to participate in social, recreational and educational activities;
- assist people with severe and persistent mental illness to improve their quality of life and live successfully at an optimal level of independence in the community;
- expand the capacity of the non-government organisation sector to offer structured day programs for people experiencing social isolation through severe and persistent mental illness; and
- increase community participation by assisting participants to:
- develop new skills or relearn old skills;
- develop social networks;
- participate in community activities;
- develop confidence; and
- accomplish personal goals.
The Day to Day Living Program has strong links with the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program which is managed by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. PHaMs provides one-to-one community based support which is tailored to individual participant goals and aspirations.
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How does it work?
The Day to Day Living Program will be delivered by a number of non-government organisations in 49 pre-identified geographical sites around Australia building on existing non-government infrastructure. These sites have been chosen, in consultation with the State based Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) Mental Health groups, based on need, linkages to clinical and community support services and the capacity of the non-government sector in each site.
Organisations will deliver a number of socially based activities to increase the ability of clients to participate in social, recreational and educational activities and increase their social connectedness and networks in the community. While most activities will be centre based, a number of activities may occur outside of the organisation's premises.
What funding is attached to this program?
A total of $45.5 million over 5 years (until June 2011) has been committed to this program.
When did the Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structure Activity Program start?
The Day to Day Living Program was launched in July 2007.
How is Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program progressing?
Sixty grants have been awarded totalling more than $21 million to non-government organisations (PDF 132 KB) accross Australia to provide the Day to Day Living Program through to June 2009.
Further information
Email: daytodayliving@health.gov.au.
Fact sheet: Support for Day2Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program (PDF 132 KB).
Newsletter: Day to Day Living Newsletter September 08 (PDF 767 KB)
Page currency, Latest update: 07 July, 2008