A program which helps people with mental illness receive care at home – helping them avoid homelessness and maintain their community links – has successfully reduced their time spent in hospitals by an astonishing 92 per cent.

Twenty-four participants in Mission Australia’s Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) in North Sydney – which is provided in partnership with the NSW Department of Health – have spent a combined 28 days in hospital over the past 12 months.

In the 12 months prior to HASI beginning, the same clients spent a combined 356 days in hospital.

According to Mission Australia’s Mental Health Operations Manager, Bronwyn Howlett, HASI has reaped significant benefits for both the clients and the community.

“HASI helps people with mental illness maintain their accommodation; keeps them in touch with their community; and also reduces the length of time spent in hospital,” said Ms Howlett.

“Some people with mental illness, because of the length of time they spend in hospitals, find it hard to maintain stable accommodation and become at risk of homelessness. Mission Australia estimates that 70-80 per cent of people using our homeless services have a mental illness.

“Keeping in contact with your surrounding community – maintaining normal routines – is also extremely important for people with mental health issues. It helps them recover more quickly and gives them a sense of hope and achievement that they can beat their illness.

“Finally, reducing the time people with mental illness spend in hospital eases the pressure on hospitals and their staff. It’s also saves taxpayers a lot of money,” Ms Howlett said.

“Based on a hospital bed rate of $800 per night, Mission Australia’s HASI has saved taxpayers over $250,000 in 12 months.”

HASI currently has three full time and one part time support worker servicing up to 30 people with mental illness at any time.

“HASI has been successful because of the way we work with each person’s strength to improve their life skills and confidence – but within the community rather than in isolation.

“We work in partnership with clients to develop tailored support plans, they choose the community they want to live in and we encourage regular feedback on our service,” Ms Howlett explained.

Media contact Anh Dang (02) 9641 5031