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People Connector Serani Paii says the ACDC project will be is far more effective than dealing with people in crisis,” says Bill
beneficial for the community on an individual level and on a Gye.
community level.
The ACDC project provides this important information to
“The project will help to build awareness of the local services householders of all educational, cultural and language
and community supports and create an opportunity to capture backgrounds to promote access to mental health, social and
valuable information that will highlight needs and gaps in emotional wellbeing support.
services.”
If the householder is not home a card is left in their letterbox
For each of the communities visited throughout Australia, the with contact details so they can ask the People Connectors to
ACDC Project will generate data and information about the come back.
reasons why people do not access support from local services.
The ACDC Project is funded by the Department of Social Services.
“The survey results will help us advocate for much needed
funding in regions that have a lack of appropriate services,” says For further information visit
Tristan Brownson. www.acdc.org.au

The findings of the ACDC Project evaluation report will Photographer credit: Joanna Kate
contribute to discussions about funding for community
managed mental health services in Australia, and
how the mental health support needs of people in
communities are delivered.

It will also evaluate how effective a proactive approach is in
reaching, engaging, and resourcing people to connect with
services.

“The ACDC Project aims to address a serious problem with
mental health services in Australia. Often, people only look for or The ACDC project is an initiative of
receive support when they are in crisis. We must be much more Community Mental Health Australia
proactive connecting and communicating with people about
the importance of wellbeing. Prevention and early intervention

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