Mental health disorders are the largest single cause of disability within Australia, accounting for nearly 30% of the burden of non-fatal disease, and projections to 2023 indicate that mental illness is expected to remain the largest contributor to the prevalence of disability until age 60.
In Queensland, it is estimated that in any one year, 16.6% of the population is affected by mental disorders. This figure rises to about 22% when alcohol and drug-related conditions are included. In a 2007 study, close to half the Queensland population aged 16–85 years reported an experience of a mental disorder in their lifetime and approximately 500 000 Queenslanders had symptoms in the past 12 months.
The Community Mental Health sector is diverse and delivers a range of treatments, support services and care for people with a mental illness in the community. “Mental health services based in the community may be provided by the public sector, private providers or non-government, not for profit mental health providers”.
Community managed mental health organisations are not-for-profit, community-managed organisations that provide community support services for people affected by mental health problems and mental illness. These organisations provide “valuable community based support options that are flexible, cost effective and essential to prevention and recovery”. In 2010-2011, 14,500 people were supported by community based, non-clinical services in Queensland.
For more information view the 2012 Industry Skills and Workforce Development Report - Community Mental Health summary
