Last week the state government unveiled details of a $14.9 million boost in funding for the Mental Health Commission in Thursday’s state budget, aimed at tackling ice addition.
A spokesperson for Mental Health minister Andrea Mitchell said some of the new beds would be in regional areas, but the Mental Health Commission was assessing areas of greatest need.
“Families are crying out for more help to get their loved ones off this drug and this funding will provide extra residential rehabilitation and withdrawal services,” she said.
Yes, families are crying out for help.
Families across the South West have spent months and years pleading for more to be done to help break the hold this vicious drug has on our communities and the mental health conditions it contributes to.
So we must ensure that the Mental Health Commission realise that the South West is “an area of greatest need”.
Recently a number of South West mothers have spoken to the media about their children’s addiction to drugs including methamphetamine and the mental health problems the drug can cause.
South West mum Julie Kent told radio station 6PR she's seen all her three sons become violent and aggressive while on ice and the drug is gaining a foothold in the region.
"It's not just kids as well, it's adults, it's families and it's so easy to get," she said.
South West MLC Adele Farina has been a passionate advocate of mental health in this region.
Last week she continued her push for a larger funding commitment to ensure a dedicated sub-acute mental health facility is built in the South West.
She told the Mail construction is yet to start on a facility promised to open in Bunbury in 2017.
She also said last October, the former minister for mental health announced a targeted youth mental health initiative for the Pilbara and the South West but more than six months later, the service is yet to start down here.
Ms Mitchell said she understands work to secure the necessary approvals for the project are continuing.
Let’s hope all those fighting drug addiction or bravely taking on a battle with various mental health conditions get the support they need and deserve soon.
Andrew Elstermann
