Mental Health Rights Manual
An online guide to help explain your legal and human rights in the mental health and human services systems in New South Wales.
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Words are important. The language we use and the stories we tell have great significance to all involved.
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The community managed mental health sector is a key provider of mental health services and supports to people with mental health conditions in the community.
Community-managed mental health organisations support people to live well in the community and meet everyday challenges when and where they need it most.
Most organisations are non-government, not-for-profits who deliver services across a wide range of core areas.
These include:
Community managed organisations are one of the key pillars of Australia’s mental health system. It is generally accepted that mental health services are best delivered in community settings. Through increased access to community-based supports people with mental health conditions are supported to live well, avoid crises and stay out of hospital.
While many people living with a mental health condition experience mild and episodic symptoms, for others their mental health condition can be severe and enduring. This can seriously impact their job security, housing, social and family connections and community activities.
Many community-managed organisations deliver what is known as psychosocial support and rehabilitation services to maximise recovery for people living with mental health conditions.
Psychosocial support benefits people whose mental health condition severely affect their ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Psychosocial services and programs include, but are not limited to:
Through these support services, people with lived experience of mental health conditions can gain independence and keep well in their local communities.
The community-managed mental health sector is recognised as a significant part of the mental health service system in New South Wales and around the country.
In New South Wales, the community mental health workforce accounts for over a quarter of the total mental health workforce.
(Mental Health Workforce Profile: Community-Managed Organisations Mental Health Workforce Report 2023, Mental Health Coordinating Council.)
The NSW community-managed mental health workforce is estimated at nearly 5,000 paid workers, working across direct care, management and administration. Overall, almost 25% of the entire mental health workforce works at a community-managed organisation.
Workforce surveys show the community-managed mental health workforce is female dominated, youthful and better qualified than the general Australian workforce. Our workforce is growing at a significant pace, increasing up to 3% each year.
Visit the WayAhead Directory to find an online database of services in NSW
Visit the directoryMake an impact – our members are part of a strong network of community organisations.
Advocating for better policy and reform through submissions to government, human service agencies and key stakeholders.
Promoting mental health and wellbeing in NSW through a range of initiatives that build and develop a strong community sector.
