Go-ahead for new mental health homes in Middle Swan

4/10/07
The Western Australian Planning Commission has approved a new community-based residential housing development in Middle Swan for people with manageable mental illnesses.
Health Minister Jim McGinty said the new units, on the corner of Patterson Road and Lloyd Street in Middle Swan, would provide better accommodation options for people with non-acute mental illness.
"Consumers, carers and advocacy groups have been telling us for a long time that people with a mental illness want and need more choices when it comes to housing, including cluster housing in the community," Mr McGinty said.
"For people with low to medium care needs, the Middle Swan units will provide that choice.
"Under the $173million WA Mental Health Strategy, there will also be other new choices for consumers, including smaller group homes for people with medium care needs and improved services at psychiatric hostels."
Midland MLA Michelle Roberts said the community-supported residential units would be a group of 15 self-contained homes for 25 people who were able to manage their illness but required some additional support with daily living skills.
"These are people who already live unsupported in our community or in shared services with up to 80 other people and who have indicated a preference for group accommodation," she said.
"The new service will be staffed appropriately to provide residents with the support they need, while partnering with the community to develop skills and foster rehabilitation."
The homes will be managed by an experienced not-for-profit non-government organisation and will include tailored management and rehabilitation plans for each individual.
"Supported community accommodation with a focus on rehabilitation, has been proven to reduce isolation, improve mental well-being and deliver a better quality of life," Mr McGinty said.
"I am pleased that through these new homes, we can offer Western Australians with a mental illness that opportunity."
Tenders will be called for the construction of the homes in the coming weeks, with completion scheduled in late 2008.
The Minister said that the new supported accommodation initiatives under the $173million WA Mental Health Strategy were on track with the majority of the projects now approved and at various stages of planning and construction.
"Construction of the community-supported residential units in Albany and Geraldton is already complete, with the non-government organisation operators now preparing for residents to move into these homes," he said.
"Construction is progressing on units in Bentley, Bunbury and Busselton and planning is under way for homes in Kalamunda, Osborne Park, Armadale and Peel.
"The approval of Middle Swan is another step in the delivery of new housing choices for people with a mental illness."
The units are part of the additional 400 community-based places and 108 acute beds being developed throughout the State as part of the WA Mental Health Strategy.
The announcement coincides with Mental Health Week, which is to be held from October 7-13, during which the public is asked to help reduce ignorance and discrimination about mental illness.
One in five people experience mental health problems during their lifetime.
Minister's office - 9422 3000