Services that meet the needs of individuals

Overview

Our system is only strong when it meets the needs of all the people in the region.

To do this we should improve the availability and access of services for:

• people living in outer regional and remote areas 
• culturally and linguistically diverse populations
• LGBTIQA+ people
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• people across the lifespan 
• those seeking psychosocial support. 

These populations face unique problems that require tailored solutions. We should also increase the recognition of the links between physical health and mental health, suicide ideation and alcohol and other drug use.

What we heard

Services are not always accommodating for the needs of diverse groups

The needs of groups such as culturally and linguistically diverse populations, LGBTIQA+, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not always met by the services that exist. 

Cultural safety of services has room to improve 

Community members and providers both highlighted concerns about cultural safety, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which acts as a significant barrier to the accessibility and effectiveness of services. 

There are limited services for children and youth 

We heard from some stakeholders that they experience a lack of services for youth. The tailored services that do exist are overwhelmed by demand.

Limited services exist for those who do not meet the NDIS requirements

Stakeholders indicated a gap in services available for those individuals who require ongoing psychosocial supports but who may not be eligible for NDIS funding. Some individuals commented on the value that psychosocial services provided to local communities. These services are especially important for supporting people currently accessing services on the lower intensity side of the stepped care spectrum, to limit progression to more severe concerns.