ABSTRACT
The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2016 and the reform of support for people with disabilities, including people experiencing mental distress, is without doubt the most significant health policy change in Australia since the introduction of Medicare. The similar need for community-driven work in relation to people living with mental illness emerged in Glebe from conversations with specific carers seeking to create more supportive connections for themselves and their loved ones. Through loitering, it became clear that to provide care for loved ones experiencing mental illness, carers need to cultivate an extensive network of support. This network was both informal and formal, ranging from neighbours to local businesses to mental health services. A huge amount of personal energy and time was required to access formal services, which, in the main, appeared to be ‘not working’. The role of everyday community practice here was to identify and link carers to any new opportunities or policy changes.
