Open Minds welcomes the Federal Government’s 2023-24 Budget outcome for mental health which will allow critical supports to expand and extend for those living with severe mental illness and other mental health challenges.
The investment will extend critical mental health services and allow more adult health services, such as Head to Health centres, as well as address urgent gaps and workforce shortages in the mental health sector.
Here’s the breakdown:
- $260.2 million to extend psychosocial support services for more than 18,000 people living with severe mental illness and who are not in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- $138.4 million over four years for specialised trauma support and psychosocial services for survivors of torture and trauma
- $14.4 million over two years to continue the StandBy Support After Suicide program
- $8.7 million for digital mental health services, including the continuation of the Head to Health website.
Open Minds Chief Operating Officer, Kate Johnson, is pleased to see the Government acknowledge the importance of accessible and quality mental health supports in Australia.
“It is estimated that one in two Australian adults will experience mental ill-health during their life, which means that most people will have or know someone with a lived experience of mental health,” said Kate.
“On a daily basis we witness first-hand the difference that accessible and quality mental health support can make to someone’s life, and we are passionate advocates that everyone should have access to these supports affordably,” she said.
“We will continue to work with the Government and the mental health sector to ensure the right services are in place to support our communities.”
Open Minds is proud to deliver a range of quality mental health support services in Queensland and northern New South Wales including the Head to Health Hub Lismore, three headspace centres, post suicide support program, and a range of non-NDIS psychoscial support programs. more information about Open Minds mental health services, please visit our website.