The Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’s (MHCSA) Annual Report for the financial year is here. The 2023-24 Financial year presented its share of challenges, yet our resilience and dedication have continued to push through.
One of our most significant accomplishments was the release of the SA Unmet Needs Report, which highlights the critical need for mental health services across the state. Despite its importance, the report was initially met with a lack of urgency from the South Australian Government. So we took the extraordinary step of publicly calling on Minister Picton to act on its findings, and while the report was eventually released in July 2023, we were disappointed by the government’s minimal response, especially given the $260 million budget surplus.
However, we remain undeterred. Engaging with over 80 representatives across various sectors, including health, education, and domestic violence, we hosted a Roundtable in Mental Health Month. This collaboration aimed to explore effective strategies for addressing unmet needs in communities, with projects initiated in areas like the Barossa Valley and Northern metro regions.
A bright spot this year has been the success of the Lived Experience Workforce Project (LEWP), which has fostered a deeper understanding of mental health challenges from those who have navigated them firsthand. This initiative underscores our commitment to embedding lived experience within our service delivery.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, we remain focused on driving accountability and action to support the 19,000 South Australians with severe mental illness. Together with our Board, partners, and community stakeholders, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your continued support as we work toward brighter futures for all.
You can read our annual report in full here.
