Queenslanders experiencing psychological distress will soon benefit from a new trial connecting them to local services for their recovery and wellbeing.
The trial, to be piloted in Tablelands and Ipswich, is a joint initiative of the Albanese Government and the state Palaszczuk Government.
The Distress Brief Support initiative is a two-week program to support people experiencing psychological distress, offer practical solutions to manage that distress, and identify additional services to aid longer term recovery.
This trial will provide access to support for local people in Tablelands and Ipswich who are experiencing distress and who may be at heightened risk of suicide.
The Distress Brief Support trial will help participants to develop skills to manage their distress and connect them to local services for continued support in the community.
The trials will seek to offer early support to people in distress, without the need to present to mental health or health service first.
The program will focus on providing non-clinical support and is not an alternative for people who require urgent, hospital-based care.
The trial design process in each location will commence in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
"Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders is a top priority for both the Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor Governments.
"We know that there are often barriers to entry for people in distress to access the care they need.
"Offering compassionate and timely support based on referrals from other services is an effective way to help people develop the skills to manage distress."
Quotes attributable to Minister, Shannon Fentiman:
"We know that psychosocial support services and programs are critical for assisting people to meet their treatment and recovery goals.
"That's why the Palaszczuk Government has earmarked $177 million of the $1.64 billion Better Care Together plan for responses to mental health crisis and suicide prevention.
"The Distress Brief Support program will connect people to the services they need to live independently and maintain the best possible social and emotional wellbeing.
"When provided with the right support at the right time, people can move through a crisis period quickly, and that's exactly what this program is designed to help do."
