Local mental health consumers will benefit from the NSW Government’s investment in new Peer Worker positions within the Central Coast Local Health District.
Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said the state-wide $2.7 million investment would reach the Central Coast to help mental health consumers transition from hospital back into the community.
“This funding will provide further early interventions, help mental health consumers in my Terrigal electorate during and after a hospital visit, and see an increase in comprehensive follow-up supports,” Mr Crouch said.
Mr Crouch said Peer Workers are qualified mental health staff who themselves have personal experience with recovery from mental health issues.
“They are experts who understand and can reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, provide hope to people, and demonstrate that recovery is possible,” he said.
NSW Minister for Mental Health, Ms Tanya Davies, said this was a much needed expansion of the State’s peer workforce.
“We are in the midst of a 10-year whole-of-government reform of mental health care in New South Wales, and Peer Workers must play a key role in this journey,” Ms Davies said.
Further benefits that Peer Workers provide to mental health consumers include: a flexible, tailored support package for up to six weeks following an acute mental health admission; direct face-to-face follow up for people discharged from an acute mental health inpatient setting within seven days; a link between acute mental health services and the community, including referrals to community managed support services; and, a comprehensive, step-up and step-down model of care incorporating Peer Workers from existing adult community mental health services.
Source:
Media release, Nov 27
Ben Sheath, office of Adam Crouch