The Australian Government is inviting experienced mental health community organisations to apply for funding to provide new services in high-need areas.
The $46 million initiative aims to improve mental health support services in particular regions and will benefit many Australians with a mental illness, the Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said today.
?This will help improve the quality of life for socially-isolated people who have severe and persistent mental illness by helping individuals to participate in their communities.
?People with mental illness will be offered a skill-building program and will be helped to improve living skills. They will be encouraged to develop social networks, build confidence and achieve their personal goals,? Mr Pyne said.
The funds will be invested over five years under the new Support for Day to Day Living in the Community Program, as part of the Australian Government?s commitment to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health.
?One in five Australians will experience mental illness at some time in their life, and we know that many people in the community are isolated by their illness,? Mr Pyne, said. ?This program will help people affected by a persistent and enduring illness to have a better life.
?I call on organisations experienced with mental health to apply for funding to extend their existing programs. These services will work with the existing programs of the Australian Government and state governments, as well as with those of community organisations.
?Our program is aimed at selected regions across Australia that have a high level of need but also build upon the variety of support services available.?