Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today announced that for the first time in Australia, vulnerable people in Penrith with mental illness will receive care from an innovative community-based program, made possible by a social impact investment.
The NSW Government’s partnership with Social Ventures Australia and not-for-profit mental health care provider Flourish Australia will deliver the $7 million Resolve Program over seven years.
Stuart Ayres said mental illness is a growing issue in Penrith and once again, NSW is at the forefront of finding innovative ways to work together and address social challenges.
“This is a new way to deliver tailored support to the vulnerable people in our community, particularly those who frequent emergency departments or spend long periods of time in our inpatient facilities.
This is a win for the Penrith area, reducing pressure on Nepean Hospital with an innovative, person-centred care program for individuals affected bymental health issues,” Stuart Ayres said.
The Resolve Program will begin in October and reach communities from the Resolve Centres to be located in Penrith and Orange.
Participants will have access to crisis care with 24/7 peer support, outreach support to people in their homes, case management, linkages to specialist drug and alcohol services, and a ‘warm line’ for after-hours peer support.
Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said social impact investment allows the Government to use the expertise of the non-government sector, and leverage financial support from the private sector, to help those most at-risk in our community lead more fulfilling lives.
“This Resolve Social Benefit Bond will benefit taxpayers, create savings for the Government, and allow investors to make meaningful investments to improve social outcomes,” Mrs Davies said.
The Resolve Program will complement existing mental health services in the Nepean Blue Mountains and Western NSW Local Health Districts.
For more information, please visit the Office of Social Impact Investment: www.osii.nsw.gov.au
