Mental health service for Woy Woy

A mental health service will be established in Woy Woy with funding of $1.2 million from the Federal Government.

The Aftercare group received $1,210,800 to provide mental health service from offices in Woy Woy, as part of the Government's Personal Helpers and Mentors program.

The organisation will be funded for five full-time equivalent staff positions.

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said she welcomed the announcement from Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Ms Jenny Macklin.

"The Personal Helpers and Mentors program provides support and mentoring for those whose lives are severely affected by mental illness," Ms Neal said.

"The program assists people who cannot manage their daily activities or live independently in the community because of the impact of having a severe mental illness.

"It's very important to provide as much support as we can for people who have a mental illness."

Director of Aftercare Mr John Malone said full-time staff for the Woy Woy office would be employed as soon as possible.

He said the office must open at a site in Woy Woy within three months.

"It is expected that the Personal Helpers and Mentors program will be fully operational in the Woy Woy area by May 2009," Mr Malone said.

Press release, 25 Feb 2009 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson