Mental Illness to be Address by New Network

Up to 100,000 people affected by serious mental illness are missing out on essential mental health services warns the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA).

Executive Director David Meldrum says people with mental illness have now become some of the most economically and socially marginalised people in Australia.

To combat the issue, a new network – to give people more information about mental health services and local organisations that can help people – has been launched by MIFA called “Mi Networks”.

Under the new “Mi Networks” initiative, 80 locations have been launched with another 40 to follow.

“Of the more than 600,000 Australians with serious mental illnesses, the best available evidence suggests less than 50 % are receiving treatment. There is no doubt part of the problem is not being able to find services when they are needed," Meldrum said. 

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is urging other Not for Profits to join the network.

MIFA says the network already has support from SANE Australia and Aftercare.

“We are thrilled that Aftercare has joined Mi Networks and it will help add 40 more locations to this Network soon. Our partnership with SANE Australia enables us to guarantee access to consistent, high-quality information across Australia," Meldrum said. 

Meldrum says the initiative cannot be a “panacea” to the problem but it’s a very important start.

“We are talking about big issues. Schizophrenia, major depression, Bi Polar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders. People with serious mental illness face many barriers.”

“Mi Networks” www.MiNetworks.org.au