Access 2 Place’s Mental Health Housing Program
October marks Mental Health Month, an important time to highlight the significance of openly discussing mental health. This year’s theme, “It’s time to talk about mental health,” encourages everyone to share their experiences and seek support when needed. As a leading community housing provider, Access 2 Place proudly supports this cause, believing that asking for help with mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Access 2 Place is dedicated to providing homes for people with the highest needs, allowing them to live securely, affordably, and independently. Earlier this year, we took over the management of 31 homes from the SA Housing Trust’s Mental Health Housing Program after a successful competitive tender. These homes, spread across South Australia, are occupied by people living with complex mental health conditions. Special thanks to Rebecca Duffy and Sally Sinor from the SA Housing Trust for their collaboration and support throughout this transition.
Our role is to manage and sustain these tenancies, supporting individuals transitioning from settings like hospitals, long-term rehabilitation, and forensic mental health services. With the guidance of Taimi Allan (she/her), the Mental Health Commissioner of South Australia, we remain aligned with best practices in mental health support, ensuring we contribute to creating stable, supportive environments for our tenants.
We work closely with tenants’ support networks and service providers to ensure the best outcomes for tenants. This includes responding to maintenance needs and other requirements related to their disabilities. By maintaining the separation of housing and disability support services, Access 2 Place empowers individuals to have more choice and control over their living arrangements and the services they receive.
The Mental Health Housing Program reflects this approach, providing tenants with the freedom to choose their support providers and live in homes that meet their needs. This model not only improves quality of life but also fosters a greater sense of independence.
As we come together for Mental Health Month, let’s continue to encourage open conversations that reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Access 2 Place remains dedicated to providing homes for people with complex mental health conditions and helping build a more inclusive and supportive community.
– Trent Lines, CEO