Community First on Mental Health Commission Panel

Community First International Limited (Community First) is a large not for profit organisation which supports individuals who face social, economic, physical and psychological disadvantage.

To strengthen communities and deliver local quality of life outcomes to people, Community First provides employment and community to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for information, services and support they need in the short and long term.

Community service programs provided by Community First, as funded through the State and Commonwealth Government, include the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs), Home and Community Care (HaCC), Meals on Wheels, the Family Living Initiative and the Individualised Community Living Strategy.

Employment service programs provided by Community First, as funded through the Commonwealth Government, include Jobs Services Australia (JSA) and Disability Employment Services (DES).

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Community First on Mental Health Commission Panel

In early December 2011, Community First was selected by the Mental Health Commission as a preferred respondent for the “Individualised Community Living Strategy”, and as part of a panel, will provide support services to up to 100 specifically selected individuals.

Eileen Allison, Executive Manager Community Services, said that “Being appointed to the panel is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our mental health teams who have established Community First has a worthy member of the panel and further acknowledges our organisation as a mental health service provider across Western Australia. “

Preferred respondents on the panel will be matched with individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness to make a successful transition from hospital inpatient settings to living in the community.

Consideration may also be given to people who might not be in hospital at the particular time of assessment but who have a history of multiple periods of hospitalisation that parallel the criteria of long term.

Individuals receiving assistance will reflect a range of complexities and challenges resulting in the need for a mix of low, medium and high levels of support to be provided by panel members.

Community First will provide support to individuals in partnership with clinical and accommodation support service providers to ensure that individuals are fully supported in their transition back into the community.

To find out if you are eligible to receive these services, please contact Community First at 08 9550 4555 or email info@cfi.net.au.