The Country SA PHN Health System Integration and Innovation team recently commissioned Uniting Country SA to deliver the Homelessness Access Pilot program in Port Pirie. The program aims to improve housing stability and provide integrated mental health and case management support to adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, delivered by an embedded Mental Health Practitioner.
A core focus of the practitioner’s work is to provide direct mental health support to clients engaged with the homelessness case managers and who have had a history of repeated service use. With support, individuals can work towards accessing specialist mental health services, addressing barriers to securing and sustaining housing and connecting with meaningful community resources. In addition to case management, the practitioner also supports frontline staff to better identify and respond to mental health concerns, helping them feel more confident and equipped when working with clients experiencing psychological distress.
Uniting Country SA Mental Health Practitioner Katie Lindner has highlighted success stories in the short time the program has been running. Katie reports that a client who has received support for hoarding and squalor has demonstrated outstanding engagement and commitment to their wellbeing journey, obtaining a Mental Health Care Plan and is now on a psychologist waitlist. In addition to these steps, the client has openly acknowledged their substance use challenges and has begun reengaging with Drug and alcohol services South Australia (DASSA), with a personal goal of reducing and eventually ceasing use. The client’s progress reflects not only the benefits of integrated, wraparound support, but also their personal determination and resilience. This journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when compassionate, coordinated services meet a client’s commitment to change.
Country SA PHN looks forward to continuing collaboration with Uniting Country SA as the Homelessness Access Pilot progresses.
