Boost to northern NSW mental health services

TWEED HEADS, Australia - May 8, 2018 - PRLog -- Leading non-profit organisation Third Sector Australia (3SA) has welcomed a $6 million agreement to boost services for people with mental illness living in northern New South Wales.

3SA CEO Karen Murphy said the partnership with the Northern NSW Local Health District reinforced 3SA's position as a leading, trusted mental health service provider.

"3SA has been on the ground, providing expert mental health services in northern NSW communities for many years," Ms Murphy said.

"From July, we can expand our reach to people from Tweed Heads to Grafton and west to Casino, including outreach to rural areas.

"Using our strong community connections through many local services, this agreement will provide certainty for thousands of people with mental illness."

The delivery arm of 3SA, On Track Community Programs (OTCP), provides support services to people experiencing mental illness, disability or accommodation difficulties.

The three-year agreement will fund additional support workers, rehabilitation services and outreach to people in rural areas who may feel particularly isolated.

Ms Murphy said 3SA takes an innovative approach to providing mental health services.

"We provide help with housing, employment, rehabilitation, assistance with life skills like budgeting, and other outreach services," she said.

"By collaborating with local service providers, we make it easier for people with mental illness to get the assistance they need, when they need it, and find natural supports within their neighbourhood.

"There is huge demand around the country for community mental health services and we commend the NSW government for funding more intensive early intervention."

The funding agreement was announced by NSW Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies and Tweed MP Geoff Provest.

"The NSW Government is working hard to provide new and better models of care for people living with mental illness. This new model will reach an average of 120 clients per week," Mrs Davies said.

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