The South Australian Government must ensure that its long-term priorities for the state’s mental health services do not slip off the radar when its five-year “Stepping Up” plan ends next month, South Australian Greens Senator Penny Wright said.

Senator Wright today supported the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’s call for a further plan committed to addressing the many aspects of mental health including links to vital services like employment, housing and legal assistance.  

 "We know that people with mental illnesses experience homelessness, poor health and unemployment in greater numbers than the wider population.  Poor mental health and disadvantage are intricately linked and we must have comprehensive, long term planning to address these factors,” Senator Wright, Greens spokesperson for mental health, said.

 “While the Commonwealth Government is in the process of developing its ten year roadmap for mental health, it is crucial that our state and federal governments work together - with the community - to ensure co-ordinated, responsive, effective services for people in need.

“Good mental health planning from all governments is about so much more than just clinical treatment.  It’s about a whole-of-person approach, which includes a person’s health, housing and employment needs so they have the best chance of recovery and can fully participate in community life.  

“When every South Australian can participate in community life to their full potential, we will all benefit."