Delivering high quality services for all mental health consumers

Many people living with mental illness will be ineligible for NDIS individual funding packages. VCOSS believes state and federal governments have a joint responsibility to continue funding community mental health services outside of the NDIS, so these people can access support for recovery.

Community mental health services in Victoria have long provided psychosocial rehabilitation and support services, helping people with mental health difficulties stay well and able to work, study, care for their families, and participate in community life.

It is also crucial all mental health carers can access respite and carer specific support that meet their needs.

This submission draws on the expertise of VCOSS members and raises some of the challenges and risks faced by Victorian mental health consumers and their carers in the transition to the NDIS. It also identifies opportunities to build effective systems of support for people with mental illness both inside and outside the NDIS.