BACKGROUND

In 2008 the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW –  stated,

‘Accommodation is a fundamental need for people with a mental illness as for the rest of the community. Without adequate and safe accommodation, effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies cannot be implemented (Burdekin et al. 1993; Shepherd et al. 1996; 1997). Thus, it is essential that accommodation is considered a priority when addressing the needs of people with a mental illness.’

In the past, the model used is hospitalization, temporary accommodation, and crisis accommodation often in differing environments; situations which most people would term unstable, unpredictable, and often not conducive to recovery. Also, thankfully in the past, persons suffering from severe and persistent mental illness were usually funneled into the health system via hospital wards specially set up to deal with mental illness. There is still a place at times for this model in society, it is now recognized as more appropriate to engage in a more inclusive model that involves family, carers, health specialists, and importantly the consumers themselves.