Mental issues head priority list for Newtown

Twenty per cent of the population will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. This startling statistic is at the heart of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre’s ‘One in Five’ report, launched in conjunction with Mental Health Week.

The report canvassed opinions from sufferers of mental illnesses, their families and carers, and service providers. Recovery from mental illness is often based on a range of factors, including prevention, access to appropriate treatment, and individual social and financial circumstances. The report considered mitigating solutions for a variety of these factors, including housing, health care, advocacy, stress, employment and poverty.

According to the Centre’s Executive Officer, Lisa Burns, recent tough times had seen an expansion in the complexity of cases. “People are presenting with needs that are more complex than several years ago,” she said. “People are sometimes trying to deal with a multitude of issues such as managing their mental health, working through failing relationships, finding suitable housing, looking for meaningful employment, dealing with addiction issues and legal matters as well as coping with poverty.

“Society and community attitudes can add another level of difficulty for people who are often seen as undeserving of care and support. The solutions are as complex as the issues themselves. People need to feel connected, to have family, friends, be part of a community that supports people when they need it.”