Foundational Supports for people with psychosocial support needs in NSW
An estimated 500,000 people requiring psychosocial supports in Australia are currently missing out on the supports they need. Mental Health Coordinating Council and National Disability Services are calling for urgent, coordinated reform to deliver Foundational Supports and address longstanding gaps across the system.
Nationally, an estimated 500,000 people living with moderate to severe mental health challenges who need psychosocial supports are not receiving them. For many, ineligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or difficulty accessing the scheme, is contributing to social isolation, housing instability, and preventable crises such as hospitalisation and homelessness, with the effects felt across families, carers and communities.
Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC), in partnership with National Disability Services (NDS), has developed a position paper calling for urgent reform to establish a comprehensive, community-based system of psychosocial Foundational Supports in New South Wales for people living with psychosocial support needs who are outside the NDIS.
Position Paper: Foundational Supports for people with psychosocial support needs in NSW
This position paper outlines the critical role Foundational Supports should play in improving the lives of people experiencing mental health and psychosocial challenges, and provides a comprehensive framework for the delivery of these supports. It draws on reviews, inquiries and consultations with people with lived experience to identify what is needed for an effective and fair system, one that strengthens community-based models, addresses service gaps, and ensures people can access the right supports at the right time.
Member Briefing: Foundational and psychosocial needs in NSW
25 May 2026
This webinar explores what recent NDIS reforms mean for people living with psychosocial disability in NSW, the increasing service gap, what’s at risk, and the role that Foundational Supports can play in building a better system.
Speakers
Dr. Evelyne Tadros, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Coordinating Council Corinne Henderson, Director, Policy & Systems Reform, Mental Health Coordinating Council Dr. Debbie Jaggers, Foundational Supports Lead, National Disability Services Lowri Williams, State Manager NSW, National Disability Services
This webinar recording is available to members only. If you are an MHCC or NDS member and would like access, please contact communications@mhcc.org.au.
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This position paper outlines the critical role Foundational Supports should play in improving the lives of people experiencing mental health and psychosocial challenges, and provides a comprehensive framework for the delivery of these supports. It draws on reviews, inquiries and consultations with people with lived experience to identify what is needed for an effective and fair system, one that strengthens community-based models, addresses service gaps, and ensures people can access the right supports at the right time.