Program launch for people with severe mental illness

Janelle Dufty (MPHN Portfolio Manager), Karen Snaidero (mental health advocate), Julie Redway (MPHN Acting CEO), Justin McKenzie (Wellways General Manager Services NSW and ACT), and Laura Collister (Wellways Director of Mental Health Services Research and Development).

Today in Griffith, the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) and Wellways Australia officially launched ‘Well Connected’; a new psychosocial support program available throughout the Murrumbidgee region for people with severe mental illness.

MPHN Acting CEO Julie Redway said the federally funded program provided a range of non-clinical community-based supports to people with severe mental illness that were not already engaged with services and were not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“As part of the National Psychosocial Support initiative, we are pleased to be able to provide $814,250 over the next three years to fund these vital support services for those not receiving psychosocial support; this program will complement existing programs.

“Psychosocial support is about building the capacity and stability of people needing supports and services in areas of their lives; which might include family relationships, managing daily living needs, budgeting, housing, quit smoking, education and goals,” Ms Redway said.

After an extensive tender process Wellways Australia has been chosen to deliver the new Well Connected program.

“Wellways Australia is pleased to have been selected to provide vital psychosocial support services in addition to the work we are already doing in the Murrumbidgee region,” said Wellways Director of Mental Health Services Research and Development Laura Collister.

“Wellways is aware of the great need throughout Murrumbidgee’s communities for engaging psychosocial support services and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise,” Ms Collister said.

Well Connected is available across the Murrumbidgee region, however those aged over 65 years, and Aboriginal people, have been identified as the most at risk and in need of support.