Mental Health Minister Jai Rowell has announced $2.1 million in NSW government funding for the first stage of the planned Statewide expansion of a successful community living support program for young people with severe mental illness.
During a visit to the Birunji Youth Mental Health Unit at Campbelltown Hospital, Mr Rowell pledged five Youth Community Living Support Services would be funded, starting with $279,000 this financial year.
Mr Rowell said the government's Youth Community Living Support Services built on the successful trial of the Young People's Outreach Program (Y-POP) delivered by Richmond PRA in Western Sydney.
"An independent evaluation of the Y-POP service operated by Richmond PRA found an 80 per cent reduction in the amount of time spent in hospital by young clients after entry to the program," Mr Rowell said.
"In addition, all participants made significant and demonstrable progress across a number of aspects of their lives, such as social engagement, employment and/or education, independent living skills, health and well-being, self-esteem and confidence levels."
Mr Rowell said Youth Community Living Support Centres would be established in south western Sydney, Hunter New England, Nepean Blue Mountains, Northern NSW and western Sydney health districts.
"Previous NSW community living support programs for people with severe mental illness have focussed on the needs of adults," Mr Rowell said.
"The Youth Community Living Support Service program will be developmentally appropriate for young people aged 16 to 24 years and their families.
"Youth Community Living Support Services will support young people's recovery in the earlier stages of their illness and reduce their risk of developing more significant disability. They will tailor care and support, with individual community living support plans developed in collaboration with the young person and their family.
"These services will provide practical assistance in developing living skills, accessing education and training, improving relationships with family and friends, making healthy lifestyle choices related to diet, exercise, smoking and drug and alcohol use.
"They will also provide access to other services to address young people's needs, such as income support, employment, drug and alcohol and other health services, accommodation and recreation, while ongoing clinical care will be provided by the local mental health service.
"Youth Community Living Services will also assist families and carers to understand and support their young person with a mental illness, build and strengthen relationships with them and seek support for their own health needs."
