Finalist: Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
The Mental Health In-Reach (MHIR) and Mental Health and Housing Liaison (MHHL) partnership was established within Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and mental illness. The aim was to reduce hospital readmissions, enhance continuity of care, and improve access to stable housing by organising support across inpatient and community settings.
Although separate at first, MHIR and MHHL staff recognised their shared consumer base and proactively formed a collaborative model. Together, they provide streamlined support for housing applications, offer advice to multidisciplinary teams, and advocate across systems to remove barriers to care.
Since October 2022, more than 200 vulnerable consumers have been supported through this partnership. Results include earlier access to housing, reduced emergency presentations, fewer extended admissions, and better continuity of psychosocial and mental health care. The collaboration enhances service navigation, improves referral outcomes, and empowers consumers through coordinated, person-centred care.
Meet the other finalists for the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award.
