Housing

Access to affordable housing with appropriate community-based support is a goal for many people who are recovering from a mental illness, and their families. It’s a priority area for the Commission because without access to affordable housing and community support, many people with a mental illness stay in high cost psychiatric hospital beds for longer than they need.

Funding of $46.5 million has been allocated to build or buy 100 homes for people with a mental illness. The funding is being provided through the Department of Housing. Approximately 80 houses will be built in metropolitan Perth and 20 in regional areas.

This is a significant investment in helping those most in need with access to safe, accessible housing which allows them to maintain greater independence by living in their own homes.

In addition, we are spending $25.18 million over four years to provide person-centred support that gives people more choice of services to help them live successfully in our community.

Person-centred support means we focus not just on the symptoms and treatment of the illness, but on helping provide better outcomes for each person that includes a sense of personal wellbeing and living a good life.

These initiatives are a vital step in moving people from hospital into the community with the appropriate support that helps keep them among their family, friends, culture and community.