Baptist Care SA News

New Pilot Program provides better access to mental health services for South Australians doing it tough

New Pilot Program provides better access to mental health services for South Australians doing it tough

 

The new service, a partnership between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Baptist Care SA, will coordinate mental health care and support for those accessing other services at Baptist Care’s WestCare Centre, a recognised safe space for people experiencing homelessness. 

 

Services offered through the new program include clinical assessment for acute mental illness, coordinating treatment between hospital and community settings, and assistance in accessing additional appropriate support through primary health services.

 

WestCare Centre Manager Stefano Tocci welcomed the move, noting the service had been offering vulnerable people a safe haven for more than 100 years.

 

“Almost three-quarters of people sleeping rough in Adelaide live with mental illness and, undiagnosed or untreated, this is often a barrier to accessing services that could help them find housing.

 

“This collaboration, and the streamlining of access to mental health treatment, will greatly improve the health and wellbeing of those who need it the most.”

 

Staff from CALHN’s Eastern Community Mental Health Service will provide in-reach services at Baptist Care every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Baptist Care SA, lives, works and walks on Kaurna, Peramangk and Boandik lands. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the state’s first peoples, recognise their traditional ownership, and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs, deep connection and continued guardianship of land and waters. We value the contributions of Elders past and present, and are committed to learning from those emerging.