Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) has funded Neami National $3.4 million over three years to support people experiencing severe, episodic mental health problems who are currently ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
With the arrival of the NDIS, consumers are now transitioning from a range of existing programs to newly funded psychosocial support services.
Federal Member for Deakin, The Hon Michael Sukkar MP, said the service ensures continuity of support so that people do not fall through the gaps.
“People with severe mental illness often struggle to manage daily tasks and make connections with their community. This service will ensure that people will continue to have access to the local services they need to live well and participate in community life,” he said.
EMPHN CEO, Robin Whyte, said the new service will help those people who have not transitioned to NDIS.
“Psychosocial support will provide flexible services for up to 12 months for people experiencing mental health issues at a time when they need it most. Importantly this service is another significant service element to ensure people with mental illness have good integrated care,” Ms Whyte said.
Neami National Acting CEO, Glen Tobias said psychosocial support is tailored to the person’s needs and can include help to manage day-to-day tasks, undertake work or study and make connections with family, friends and their community.
“This service is delivered with the consumer at the centre of the support. The benefit of this service is that people are supported in ways that are best for them. Neami National staff will provide one-on-one and group support out in the community,” Mr Tobias said.
The service can also link people to clinical services and provide support coordination to help them access the services they need including housing, education and employment.
For more information about mental health services in the EMPHN catchment, contact EMPHN’s Referral and Access team to assist with support needs.
The service is delivered by Neami National and funded by the Australian Government’s National Psychosocial Support (NPS) measure under the PHN program.
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Media enquiries: Claire James claire.james@emphn.org.au 0425 887 397
About EMPHN: Eastern Melbourne PHN is a Primary Health Network funded by the Australian Government to improve the care and support people receive from health services. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. www.emphn.org.au