Distress Brief Support pilot Summary
The Distress Brief Support pilot is a community-based, non-clinical approach that utilises members of the community to provide immediate and compassionate support to people who are experiencing emotional and/or situational distress (e.g., relationship challenges, isolation, housing instability, financial pressure, unemployment).
Neami National and Centacare Catholic Country SA to run Distress Brief Support Pilot
The Distress Brief Support pilot will be delivered in Whyalla and surrounds by Centacare Catholic Country SA, and in Port Lincoln and surrounds by Neami National, with current funding arrangements in place until 30 June 2026.
What is Distress Brief Support
Distress Brief Support is a short-term program of up to 3 weeks duration, providing early support to people aged 18 years and above who are experiencing distress, and where emergency care is not required. Distress Brief Support helps to connect people to supports and services that are relevant to their needs and work towards addressing the drivers of distress.
Models of Support
The Distress Brief Support model combines two kinds of support:
Community Engagement Points
The Community Engagement Points provide an immediate, compassionate response together with the offer of a warm referral for further support to the Short-Term Support Team
Support Short-Term Support Team
The Support Short-Term Support Team provides compassionate, practical support and works to establish connections with and for the person to connect them to longer-term supports that help address their underlying drivers of distress. Through a strengths-based approach, the Short-Term Support Team will empower the person to cope with their distress by promoting positive help-seeking behaviours.
Published on: December 13, 2020
Last updated on: December 16, 2025
