Mental ill health
1 in 5 Western Australians will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives.
1 in 5 Western Australians will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives.
An estimated 45 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 years will experience a high prevalence mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorder in their lifetime. 2-3 % of the population have a severe mental health disorder, 4-6% a moderate mental health disorder, and 9-12% a mild mental health disorder.
For those Western Australians who experience mental ill health or alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues, living in safe, secure and stable housing is an important part of their road to recovery. Housing which fosters meaningful relationships for individuals, both in the home and the community, is associated with improved wellbeing and quality of life, and decreased symptoms and service use.
The current accommodation and support system for people with mental health, alcohol and drug issues is not adequately equipped address to people’s complex needs due to the following gaps and issues:
There needs to be a focus on the level and funding of outreach services that covers mental health and alcohol and drug programs. These outreach services create a level of support in the entire system that is needed.
Shelter WA acknowledges the work and direction of the Mental Health Commission’s Accommodation Strategy, A Safe Place which was released in Aug 2020. We need to create a housing system that provides individual and personalised support and accommodation through effective system-wide partnerships and continuous improvement to create inclusive communities.