Psychosocial Disability and NDIS access
Many people with mental health issues are currently falling through the cracks of the new NDIS system. They fall short of gaining access to the NDIS yet require more support than what a Mental Health Care Plan can offer and not acutely unwell to be in the health system (hospital care).
At present there is a shortage of services who are accepting referrals to support people with mental health issues who do not have an NDIS plan. For example, highly important services like PHAMS the Peer Helpers and Mentors program are transitioning to the NDIS and unless you have funds referrals have now ceased.
Many people with mental health issues who have been receiving block funded services are now suspended in a state of limbo as they wait patiently to hear from the NDIS if their Access Request (AR) has been accepted or not. And that’s if they got so far as to apply. Because let’s face it, when mental health symptoms are at it’s worst, engaging in a confusing and overwhelming process is the last thing from a person’s mind. When mental health is at it’s best, there may seem no reason to want to apply.
But despite many people with a psychosocial disability not gaining access to the NDIS, psychosocial disability is actually on the NDIS agenda. You can read more on the psychosocial pathway for the NDIS by Mental Health Australia here:
And as stated in the report:
‘The NDIA has a responsibility towards people experiencing psychosocial disability who do not access the NDIS including:
» those who are ‘hard to reach’ who may not be in contact with services, which could assist them to access the NDIS
» those who may for a variety of reasons – often reflective of their psychosocial disability – be reluctant to seek to test their eligibility
» those found to be ineligible or those who assume they would not be eligible.’
On World Mental Health Day on the 10thof October the government announces improved support for people with Mental Health conditions:
https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/3691
So whilst this appears promising, on the ground level there are reports of many people being denied access.
With the wrap up of mental health services such as Partners in Recovery there is a huge concern for those as mentioned above who for various reasons won’t gain support through the NDIS. The government has stated that there will be CoS funding – Continuity of Support but most community level mental health professionals are still in the dark as to what this CoS looks like.
The main concern being expressed is what will happen to many participants of mental health programs when these programs come to an end. Workers and participants alike are sitting in limbo in this space. The voices of the community are important to continue feeding back to the government to improve services.
So, that being said, if you have a story you want to share about your experience as a worker in the mental health sector, or you or a loved one have experience with accessing the NDIS we really want to hear from you.