TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH $4 MILLION MENTAL HEALTH INNOVATION FUND

A $4 million fund to drive innovation in mental health care and psychosocial supports for people with mental illness, their families and carers was launched by the Minister for Mental Health Pru Goward at an industry briefing in Sydney today.

Ms Goward said the Mental Health Innovation Fund will support government and non-government collaboration in improving mental health services.

“The Innovation Fund will finance innovation projects to improve mental health outcomes so people with mental illness and their families can live a better life,” Ms Goward said.

“The Fund will look to support world-class innovations to respond to mental health consumers with complex needs who require services and support from multiple government agencies, including Health, Justice, Education and Communities, Family and Community Services and non-government organisations.

“The Innovation Fund will support stand-out projects proposed by collaborations (or consortia) providers. Collaborating partners may include start-ups, non-government organisations, the private sector, local businesses, carers, individuals, working alongside all levels of governments including local, state, and Commonwealth.

“Innovation aims to solve complex problems. With the best minds from business, NGOs and government we can transform services and outcomes by developing smart ways to prevent suicide, reduce depression, improve step-up and step-down services for those people who need hospital treatment, and aftercare therapy for when they’re home. 

Ms Goward said the Innovation Fund aligns with the Government’s commitment toLiving Well, the Mental Health Commission’s 10-year road map to transform mental health services.

Applications for the Fund are now open and will close on 5 February 2016, with successful applicants to be announced in March 2016.