Description of the Program

A community support and housing program for people with a mental illness living in the southern suburbs who see a GP for their clinical management.  There has long been a recognition that GPs provide mental health care for a significant number of people with mental illness; over 29% of adults with a mental disorder had visited a general practitioner for a mental health problem in the previous 12 months – Mental Health Services In Australia 2002-03. In 2005/06 UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide in partnership with the Adelaide Southern Division of General Practice established a psychosocial rehabilitation program for GPs to refer their mental health patients to.

GP Access supports and empowers individuals to:

• Fully and actively participate in the community including pursuit of social, recreational, and educational activities
• Access suitable independent housing (private rental, Housing Associations, SAHT)
• Increase independent living skills through the development and maintenance of general housekeeping skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping)
• Access appropriate mental health and medical supports.

Eligibility for Service

• People who have a serious chronic mental health disorder (as per DSM IV Axis 1 disorder) and a subsequent level of disability affecting their lifestyle.
• Aged between 18 to 64 years, recipient of a government benefit or low-income earner, in need of housing or struggling to maintain their housing and want to establish themselves in the community with an appropriate level of support.
• Must be referred by a General Practitioner working in the Adelaide Southern Division Of General Practice.  Referral forms and further information can be obtained by contacting the GP Access-South Coordinator (see below for details).

Capacity of the Program

GP Access is funded to service 40 consumers at an average of 3 hours support per week per person.  A total of 120 direct support hours per week will be provided.

Service and Funding Agreement

The Department of Health have contracted UCWPA to manage the program for an initial period of 3 years. 

A reference group comprising of Adelaide Southern Division Of General Practice, Specialist Mental Health Services, Consumer and Carer Representatives and other community agencies has been established to provide overall guidance and support to the development, ongoing operation and evaluation of the program.

Contact

Address
129A&B Goodwood Road
PO Box 288
Goodwood SA 5034

Phone
08 8357 9030
Fax
08 8357 9565         

Coordinator
Vivian Bishop
0414 899 149
vbishop@ucwpa.org.au