People experiencing mental health challenges and those living with psychosocial disability risk being left without the support they need under the South Australian Budget announced yesterday, with no meaningful new investment in community-managed mental health services despite growing demand and increasing pressure on the sector.
The lack of additional funding comes at a critical time, as demand for community mental health support continues to grow, while changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are creating uncertainty for many people living with psychosocial disability and reshaping how support is accessed.
“As NDIS reforms continue to take effect, more people are likely to rely on state-funded community mental health services for support. Without additional investment, the sector will face increasing pressure to meet growing demand with already stretched resources,” Mind’s Executive Director of Operations for South Australia, Belinda McCullough, said.
“Community-managed mental health services play a vital role in supporting people’s recovery, helping them maintain housing, build social connections and participate in their communities. They also reduce pressure on hospitals and acute services by providing support early, locally and before problems escalate.”
Mind is also disappointed that the Drought Mental Health Support program has not been extended beyond its initial year of service delivery. The free program provided counselling and mental health support for people in regional South Australia impacted by drought.
Mind was proud to provide this much-needed service across the Flinders and Upper North, Mid North and Yorke Peninsula, and Eyre and the Far North regions.
“Our Counsellors and Community Mental Health Practitioners have made a real difference to the wellbeing of people affected by drought in remote and regional South Australia,” Ms McCullough said.
“We’re extremely disappointed that this program has not been extended, particularly given the ongoing challenges many regional communities continue to face, including general access to mental health and wellbeing supports. These pressures are compounded by rising diesel costs, fertiliser shortages and pest infestations, creating additional stress and uncertainty for our farmers and their families.”
Mind welcomes the South Australian Government’s $28 million investment in a specialised mental health assessment unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Purpose-built and compassionate alternatives to Emergency Departments are critical for people experiencing mental health crisis, and we look forward to learning more about how this model will work alongside existing services to deliver the best possible outcomes for South Australians.
Mind also welcomes the Government’s commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures for households. We know that financial stress can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, and measures that help reduce this pressure will benefit many South Australians.
Mind is calling on the South Australian Government to work with the community mental health sector to address emerging service gaps and invest in the supports that help people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as those living with psychosocial disability, to live well in their communities.
We look forward to continuing to work with the South Australian Government to build a mental health system that is accessible, equitable and responsive to the needs of all South Australians.