Media Release

JENNY MACKLIN MP Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

LINDSAY TANNER MP Member for Melbourne

Additional mental health support for local homeless people

Homeless people with a severe mental illness in Melbourne’s inner-west will be given greater access to one-on-one support through their local Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) service.

The Rudd Government is providing additional funding of almost $400,000 to the Salvation Army for new personal helpers and mentors to specifically work with people with mental illness who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the new mentors in the city’s inner-west would be on the ground by mid 2010, providing intensive, practical assistance to local homeless people with a severe mental illness.

“Mental illness can have a devastating effect on people's lives leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable and at risk of drug and alcohol abuse,” Ms Macklin said.

“In total, 36 additional personal mentors will be available to work one on one with homeless people across Australia, to help them manage their mental illness and get back on their feet.”

The Member for Melbourne, Lindsay Tanner said the additional workers would specifically work with local vulnerable people with a mental illness to re-connect with their community, family and friends.

“These mentors will work on improving relationships with family and friends and assist participants to become more involved in community life,” Mr Tanner said.

“This is a great win for the local community. These additional mentors will work specifically with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to manage everyday tasks and achieve personal goals such as finding stable housing.

“These new personal mentors will also connect participants with essential clinical and social services, including housing services and health professionals.”

The Salvation Army’s base funding has also been extended until 2012, bringing total funding to more than $1.3 million. The initiative forms part of the Australian Government's efforts to halve homelessness and offer accommodation to all rough sleepers who seek it by 2020.