The New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) and Flurish Australia run the mental health facility and the room was upgraded under the Family and Carer Mental Health Program.

Director of Integrated Mental health and Drug and Alcohol Services Jason Crisp said the room was part of the original design and was funded by House With No Steps.   

“This was part of the original design, through the family and care mental health program and donation from House with No Steps we've been able to refurbish and decorate it and make it much more homely,” Mr Crisp said.

Mr Crisp said the room “was the real icing on the cake” for the Sub Acute facility where people suffering from mental health issues can access support. 

“​It keeps people out of our acute units, so people can come here before they have to go to hospital, when people are in hospital they can actually ‘step down’ and come here,” Mr Crisp said.  

He said the family and carer room was important because of their supporting roles.

“Mental health and drug and alcohol services play a really small part in a persons overall journey, it’s really the family and carers that are with the person 24 hrs a day 7 days a week,” Mr Crisp said.

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant launched Mental Health Month at the facility.

“I encourage everyone to have a look and think look out for your mates,” Mr Grant said. 

“It’s about sometimes identifying those little aspects of your loved ones lives where you think they might be struggling and you could help steer them into the services, there are lots out there.

“There’s a growing level of understanding for the responsibilities of government in particularly and the community more broadly about the need for more and more investment into the mental health sector.” 

READ  more health stories here.

Mr Grant said the more partners on board to invest and co-invest with government and non-government organisations, the better the outcome for the community.  

“Thanks to House with No Steps for their investment into this facility, it shows the partnerships across different organisations and their joint effort to improve mental health in the community,” Mr Grant said. 

”I don’t know if unless you’re affected by mental health or you’ve seen it first hand if you understand these services can make the world of difference. 

“If you’re suffering from mental health issues, the first thing you need to do is have a safe place or have a safe environment to go to and that’s what this [room] is.”

Do you have a story? Email: antonia.oflaherty@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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