EMPHN welcomes Australian Government's announcement to support mental health clients' transition to NDIS or other supports

EMPHN welcomes Australian Government's announcement to support mental health clients' transition to NDIS or other supports

26 March, 2019

The Australian Government has announced funding to Primary Health Networks to support people experiencing severe mental health issues to transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Continuity of Support (CoS) or the National Psychosocial Support (NSP) program.

What is the Continuity of Support (CoS) and who can access it?

CoS provide psychosocial support to people experiencing severe and episodic mental health issues. Current clients of Commonwealth funded mental health programs: Partners in Recovery (PIR), Day2Day Living (D2DL) and Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs), who are ineligible for supports under the NDIS, will receive similar supports through CoS.

What is the National Psychosocial Support (NSP) program and who can access it? 

NPS provide psychosocial support to people experiencing severe and episodic mental health issues who are:

  • current clients of Commonwealth funded mental health programs: Partners in Recovery (PIR), Day2Day Living (D2DL) and Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs), who are waiting for their NDIS eligibility letter. They will be supported for an additional 12 months after these programs cease on 30 June through the NPS.
  • clients not receiving support under the NDIS and do not access Commonwealth funded mental health programs.

What are psychosocial supports?

Psychosocial support can assist people with severe mental illness to participate in their community, manage daily tasks, undertake work or study, find housing, get involved in activities, and make connections with family and friends. Psychosocial supports are specific to the person and their needs.

What does this mean? 

This extended transition support delivered through PHNs will provide coordinated and integrated psychosocial support services to meet the local needs of communities and individuals. EMPHN is working to establish how we will be delivering these support services to the community. We will keep you updated with how this progresses. The Australian Government has developed a series of fact sheets to help you support your clients and keep them informed.

For more information, read the joint media release from Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher and Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson.