Mental Health Community Based Program—frequently asked questions
1. What is the Mental Health Community Based Program?
2. Why is there a need for this program?
3. What does the program deliver?
4. How does it work?
5. Who benefits from this measure?
6. How much funding is available?
7. When did the program start?
1. What is the Mental Health Community Based Program?
The Mental Health Community Based Program is an Australian Government initiative of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health. The initiative assists families, carers, children and young people (aged between 16 and 24 years) affected by mental illness.The program acknowledges the role played by families and carers in assisting people with a mental illness. In particular, the program recognises that:
- Family members and carers provide the bulk of support and assistance with limited specialised training and support of their own.
- Children and young people often experience a range of negative effects when a family member suffers from a mental illness and are highly dependent upon others for support.
- Indigenous families and those from a culturally and linguistically diverse background have a significantly lower level of access to mental health care and support in the wider community. This results in much greater responsibility being placed on family members without adequate support or education.
2. Why is there a need for this program?
In February 2006 COAG identified a gap in support for families and carers dealing with mental illness. It was recognised that mental health community based care should focus on strengthening family relationships and empowering all involved members and recognise that some families may need additional assistance.3. What does this program deliver?
This program provides flexible funding to the community sector for projects that assist families, carers, children and young people (aged between 16 and 24 years) affected by mental illness.Projects focus on prevention and early intervention, and respond to the needs of Indigenous families and families with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. They also respond to the identified local needs of communities and families.
4. How does it work?
The measure provides funding to non-government organisations to deliver a range of localised, practical projects based in the community to build on family strengths, improve resilience and family functioning.An example of some of the services provided through these projects include: counselling, education, skill development, whole of family support, awareness raising and social inclusion.