The Southern Mental Health And Housing Alliance

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By May 20, 2015 No Comments

Authors: Trevor Parry & Kate Daniel, SA

Year: 2004

Event: 2004 TheMHS Conference

Subject: Community & Service Partnerships, accommodation

Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers

ISBN: 0975765302

Abstract: This paper will define the processes and procedures used to enable multiple agencies from the government and non-government sectors, plus consumers and carers to work together in true partnership. The Alliance has its origins in 2000 when a decision was made to bring together a number of agencies to discuss issues that surround the housing and support of mental health consumers in the community. Initially there was much information and knowledge sharing between these agencies, there appeared to be little understanding of how consumers were judged eligible to receive these services. The face-to-face networking achieved at these early meetings enabled a closer liaison between agencies and that has benefited local consumers. Since the formation of the Alliance there has been an increased awareness of mental health consumer housing and support issues, plus an actual increase in accommodation with support provided in the home for local consumers. Two supportive housing models were developed, the second attracting government funding. As a result, 18 consumers are living independently in quality housing with support tailored to suit individual needs. The models developed have several features that make them stand apart from other supportive housing models in this state and have addressed in part the shortage of public housing options for people in urgent need. This has all been achieved with minimal funding and maximum goodwill between the agencies involved.

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