As a member of the Australian Psychosocial Alliance (APA), an alliance of leading community mental health organisations, Open Minds welcomes the release of the Final Report of the Independent Review into the NDIS.
The Final Report proposed 26 recommendations and 139 actions to improve the scheme, including several that will better support people with psychosocial disability.
Open Minds CEO, Kate Johnson said that the recommendations are a reassuring step in the right direction for many people that have been struggling to access the supports they need.
“We know that people with psychosocial disability have unique needs due to the episodic nature of being unwell,” said Kate. “While we know there is still work to be done, we feel encouraged that the Independent Review Panel has listened to our concerns.
“We encourage the NDIA to work with people with lived experience and current participants to implement key reforms to better address needs in our communities.
“Through the APA, Open Minds is looking forward to continuing to advocate for people with people with psychosocial disability and work with participants, Government and other stakeholders to implement these changes,” Kate said.
As detailed in the Report, Open Minds supports the following recommendations:
– a new and dedicated approach for people living with a psychosocial disability and improved access to mental health services
– participants with psychosocial disability have access to a workforce with expertise in psychosocial disability, including specialist navigators who can support them to set and achieve goals, and connect with supports
– enhance the integration of mental health services and the NDIS, including developing Foundational Supports to address the current lack of options outside the NDIS.
The APA outlined concerns and proposed solutions in a formal submission to the Review earlier this year.
For more information about APA’s submission, visit the campaign website: https://apandisrecovery.com.au/.