LEETON’S Phil Honeysett believes mental health support has been a godsend for him.
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Mr Honeysett was one of many attending an information session in town this week detailing how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can support people living with a mental health issue.
Hosted by Flourish Australia, Mr Honeysett hadn’t yet signed up to the NDIS, but planned to.
“I have been a client of Flourish Australia for nine years and they have given me so much support,” he said. “They have helped me through many issues and helped me find employment.
“I think (the NDIS) will be good for people that feel isolated or need support.” As a result of Mr Honeysett’s connection with Flourish he may soon be starting peer work that will allow him to help others.
Around 20 people attended the information session in Leeton Tuesday, including those that will be signing up to the scheme and others that will be helping to deliver it to residents.
At the beginning of the event, many signalled their confusion surrounding the NDIS and what it would mean for them. Flourish Australia NDIS manager Mark Cliff understood there was some concerns and misconceptions in the community, but did his best to explain the initiative in layman’s terms.
Tuesday’s session focused on people with a mental health issue, their families, friends and anyone with an interest in that area.
“I believe in what we’re doing,” Mr Cliff said. “It’s working well where it has been rolled out.” Mr Cliff reassured residents there will be support available for people wanting to access the NDIS and how their lives can be improved in doing so. He said having mental illness be included under the NDIS was critical.
“There’s still some powerful people that are advocating for the scheme to better cater for people with (mental health) issues,” Mr Cliff said. “The NDIS takes personalised and recovery-focused mental health support to a whole new level.”