The McGowan Government has appointed Richmond Wellbeing to deliver two new flagship mental health services to better support people with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues.
Funded through the WA Recovery Plan, both new services are expected to be operational in mid-2021 using existing facilities.
The new State-wide $24.5 million 20-bed Community Care Unit will be located in the South Metropolitan region and will support adults with high-level support and rehabilitation services in the community within a home-like environment for adults with severe and persistent mental health issues and complex needs.
A new 8-10 bed interim service, located in the East Metropolitan region, will support homeless youth with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues. It will add to the existing youth homeless service in the South Metropolitan region, which is funded by the McGowan Government.
Over the next three years a new $25 million purpose-built youth homelessness facility will be established, to ensure the service is contemporary, co-designed, effective and easily accessible for youth.
Developing more supported accommodation services was identified in the State Priorities 2020-2024 and the Mental Health Commission's A Safe Place accommodation and support strategy.
This strategy highlighted homelessness as one of the key issues impacting the mental health, alcohol and other drug system in Western Australia and identified the need for a Housing First approach.
You can find local mental health services in Western Australia via http://www.myservices.org.au. Call beyondblue for free counselling on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline in a crisis on 13 11 14. For free alcohol and drug support, call 1800 250 015.
For more information about these initiatives go to http://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/asafeplace
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"It is great to see these new services are on track.
"The McGowan Government is delivering on its commitments to better support people with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues.
"Richmond Wellbeing is one of our trusted providers in the delivery of community mental health services and I am sure they will do an outstanding job in delivering these services for our community.
"I would also like to thank all of our community services providers for the work they do around Western Australia every day through the year.
"There are more than 100 providers, funded through the Mental Health Commission, who support Western Australians in their local communities and help them on the road to recovery.
"We are proud to fund each of these free services, so that they can support people in local communities all around the State."
