For the first time in Australia, vulnerable people living with mental illness will receive care from an innovative community-based program, made possible by a social impact investment.

Minister for Mental Health, Tanya Davies, and Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, today announced the NSW Government’s partnership with Social Ventures Australia and not-for-profit mental health care provider Flourish Australia, who will deliver the $7 million Resolve Program over seven years.

“Mental illness is a growing issue in communities across the state and once again, NSW is at the forefront of finding innovative ways to work together and address social challenges.

“This is a new way to deliver tailored support to more than 500 individuals affected by mental health issues, particularly those who frequent emergency departments or spend long periods of time in our inpatient facilities,” Mrs Davies said.

The Resolve Program will begin in October and reach communities within 200km of Resolve Centres to be located in Penrith and Orange.

Participants will have access to crisis care with 24/7 peer support, outreach support to people in their homes, case management, linkages to specialist drug and alcohol services, and a ‘warm line’ for after-hours peer support.

This Australian-first initiative builds on the pioneering social benefit bonds already launched by the NSW Government aimed at helping disadvantaged children stay with their families in a safe environment, and preventing parolees from getting trapped in the criminal justice system.

“We are committed to helping those in our community who need it most, and that’s what our social benefit bond program is doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“These bonds harness the power of private sector investment to take preventative action that makes a real difference to people’s lives, and it is fantastic that this program will now play a significant role in helping people who live with mental illness.”

The Resolve Program will complement existing mental health services in the Nepean Blue Mountains and Western NSW Local Health Districts.

For more information, please visit the Office of Social Impact Investment.