Forums explore solutions for people experiencing mental illness and homelessness in southern NSW

The forums aim to build greater understanding of the connection between housing, homelessness and mental health and will strengthen partnerships between the agencies and non-government organisations as part of the Housing and Mental Health Agreement 2022.

The NSW Government provided $40,000 funding to hold these two forums in Southern NSW, which is part of a $200,000 investment to deliver these Mental Health, Housing, and Homelessness Forums across NSW.

Southern NSW has a Housing and Mental Health Agreement Implementation Plan and a steering committee to support decision making on local service delivery issues, facilitate joint service and workforce planning, and improve cross agency coordination to enhance service access and outcomes.

The forums build upon the NSW Government's investment of $826,000 for five new, dedicated Mental Health and Housing Liaison Officer positions as part of the 2024-25 Budget.

Since being appointed as Southern NSW Local Health District's Mental Health and Housing Liaison Officer, Donna Campbell has been working on collaborative activities across SNSWLHD to strengthen partnerships across the region.

Donna's expertise as a mental health clinician is supporting Homes NSW, NGOs, and other care partners to understand mental health consumers with complex needs and assisting in securing and sustaining tenancies and mental health care for consumers.

"These forums will look at how the Housing and Mental Health Agreement 2022 can be operationalised in Southern NSW to strengthen the system and workforce that supports people with lived experience of mental health and housing instability," Donna says.

"It's about ensuring the entire ecosystem, including NSW Health, Homes NSW, and NGOs, have the structural 'muscle' to improve how we work together in the immediate, medium and longer term to achieve the best outcomes for our community."

Mission Australia's Area Manager, Belle Grossetti says, "Supporting good mental health and ending homelessness starts with safe, stable housing and access to the right support at the right time. People experiencing housing insecurity and mental health concerns often face complex challenges, and coordinated responses are essential.

"These forums bring services together so we can work more effectively to support locals to remain safely housed, improve their mental health and build hope and possibility for the future. As a proud forum partner, this reflects Mission Australia's commitment to working closely with local services and alongside people and families when they reach out for support."