Beyond the crisis: getting mental health first response right

ASoP has welcomed the NSW Government's t announcement of new funding to support health engagement in crisis response.

Speaking to The Guardian, ASoP CEO Dr Pramudie Gunaratne described the reform as "a stronger front door into the mental health system" but cautioned that crisis reform must be backed by investment in ongoing care.

“A front door is only useful if there's a house behind it.”

“Without enough community mental health services, people will still find themselves stuck in the cycle of crisis, emergency response and discharge, instead of receiving the sustained care they need to recover.”

ASoP welcomes new investment in this area, but effective reform requires more than changing who arrives at a crisis. We need proportionate, collaborative responses — and strong pathways into the community services that can support people beyond the immediate emergency.

Full article: here