Funding to help people with mental illness in Stirling
Media Release
Date: 25 February 2009
The Australian Government will provide more than $3.6 million in funding to assist people in Stirling living with a severe mental illness.
Under the Personal Helpers and Mentors program, Daughters of Charity Services (WA) will receive $2.4 million and UnitingCare West will receive $1.2 million to provide services in the Balga, Osborne Park and Scarborough areas.
The funding will enable the organisations to provide services to people with mental illnesses who need help to manage their daily activities.
WA Senator and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans today welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin.
"The program assists people who cannot manage their daily activities or live independently in the community because of a severe mental illness," Senator Evans said.
"It's very important to provide as much support as we can for people who live with a mental illness."
Personal Helpers and Mentors work one-on-one with participants, focusing on their strengths and building trust and strong relationships to help them gain greater independence.
This can be achieved through home visits, social outings or meetings where the participant feels most comfortable.
"Mental illness can have a devastating effect, leaving people feeling isolated, vulnerable and at risk of increased drug and alcohol use," Ms Macklin said.
"By building their confidence and increasing their connections within the community, Personal Helpers and Mentors help participants overcome social isolation that can be so crippling for people with mental illness."
The Government has committed $99.8 million for non-government organisations around the country to deliver the program over 79 sites from 2006-2011.
For more information about the PHAMs program go to: http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/MentalHealth/pham_program.htm
