Unravelling Psychosocial Disability, a position statement by the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF), was launched at Parliament House, 22 Nov, 2011, by Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Ageing, Disability and Carers.

This landmark document describes the needs of people with psychosocial disability and the issues that affect their capacity to participate in the community. The statement urgently calls for improved support for people with psychosocial disability related to mental health conditions.

In August 2011, the NMHCCF welcomed the inclusion of people with a psychosocial disability in the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The decision, outlined in the final report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Disability Care and Support, was a watershed moment in mental health reform.

The recognition of psychosocial disability, often referred to as psychiatric disability, marks a significant shift in the attitudes of policy makers and the community.

"Mental health consumers and carers have waited too long for their psychosocial disability support needs to be acknowledged – we are delighted by this decision" said Janet Meagher, Consumer Co-Chair of the NMHCCF Psychosocial Disability Working Group. Margaret Springgay, Carer Co-Chair of the Working Group said "this is a long overdue acknowledgment of the devastating and disabling effects that mental illness has on so many lives".

Unravelling Psychosocial Disability was developed by the NMHCCF as part of its submission to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Disability Care and Support. The position statement will be an important reference for mental health consumers and carers, policy makers and service providers in the mental health and disability sectors and in the broader community.

Download:: Unravelling Psychosocial Disability (2011).

For more information please contact Kim Harris, 02 6285 3100