Mission Australia has welcomed the decision by the Lord Mayor’s Salary Trust to contribute $40,000 to helping the organisation employ a full-time mental health worker at its Kings Cross drop in centre for women and women with children, Lou’s Place.

The Lord Mayor’s Salary Trust, was set up by the Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, Clover Moore, to receive her mayoral fees. The money is distributed annually for important charitable and community projects.

The mental health worker position is part of a 12 month pilot program Mission Australia is undertaking at Lou’s Place to help women experiencing ‘dual diagnosis’ – that is, both mental health and drug/alcohol problems.

Mission Australia spokesperson, Bronwyn Howlett, said the grant was particularly welcome as Lou’s Place received no government funding and had experienced an increase in clients with dual diagnosis.

“Every year, Lou’s Place assists around 4,000 women in crisis. Almost all of these women are experiencing homelessness. We also know that around 75% of homeless people have a mental illness, while additionally 75% have a drug or alcohol addiction,” said Ms Howlett.

“Lou’s Place receives no government funding, it relies 100% on community support to keep its doors open. The Lord Mayor’s grant is absolutely wonderful news for us.

“Recently we’ve seen an increase in the number of women exhibiting problems as a result of methamphetamine use (‘ice’), particularly when combined with mental illness. A Mental Health Worker at Lou’s Place will go a long way to providing real help to the women who need it.

“The pilot project funded by the Lord Mayor’s Salary Trust will improve our clients’ access to appropriate health care while also providing them with intensive individual case management.

“We’ll be augmenting the Lord Mayor’s grant with donations from other supporters and expect the program to start in June 2007. It will run for an initial 12 month period,” said Ms Howlett.

Media inquiries: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495.