People with a severe mental illness in the ACT will continue to have access to intensive, one-on-one support with the ACT Mental Health Foundation and Woden Community Service receiving combined $2.73 million Australian Government funding extension to the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program.
Member for Canberra Annette Ellis, Member for Fraser Bob McMullan and Senator for the ACT Kate Lundy have welcomed the funding boost.
The announcement was part of an $80.3 million extension to PHaMs nationally, announced recently by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin.
This funding means ACT Mental Health and the Woden Community Service can continue making a difference in the lives of people with a severe mental illness in Canberra.
PHaMs in an innovative model for supporting people with a severe mental illness in the community, rather than solely in medical services. The program helps people with a severe mental illness reconnect with the wider community and live more independent and satisfying lives.
Early findings from an independent evaluation show that participants in the program had more confidence to re-connect with mainstream services, learnt new skills and were less socially isolated.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brenton Sloane (Ellis) 0431 252 698
Sam Casey (McMullan) 0421 697 660
Annika Hutchins (Lundy) 0407 458 882
