The community mental health system reflects the diversity of needs of people experiencing mental illness.  Not surprisingly, there are many types of community services for different needs delivered by government and non-government agencies. While these services provide people with choices, they can also be confusing for those who are new to the 'system'.  The challenges of navigating the community mental health system include being aware of what services are available, where to begin and who to turn to. 

This website has been designed to provide families and carers of people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness with information about the community mental health system that is helpful, relevant and enabling.

Carers will be able to find information about service options for the person they support.  This information is categorised into different topics - or service domains - that correspond to different needs.  Under each of the topics are links to relevant service providers, which are listed with CONTACT Canberra, Canberra's community service directory for the ACT.

There is also a section specifically for carers, with links to relevant resources and services.

To illustrate the different pathways and multiple access points for getting help, the website offers case studies focusing on individuals and their families.  The case studies show some of the different ways that people come into contact with, and access, the diverse range of services available in the Canberra community.  They describe people's unique journeys of recovery and rehabilitation.   

Complementing the service domains is a section on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  Some people experiencing severe and enduring mental illness will be eligible for an individual funding package through the NDIS.  Eligibility is based on the level of functioning and impairment relating to a person's disability.  People eligible for an individual funding package will access the service system differently, and be supported to purchase services from providers of their choice.  Visit www.ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110 to find out more information.

There is also a section for people who are interested in finding out more information about carer and mental health policies and resources, and further reading on recovery.