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Mental health & well being

What is the Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program?

The Support for Day to Day Living (D2DL) in the Community - Structured Activity Program aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness through the provision of structured and socially based day programs.

This program formed part of the Commonwealth's component of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 - 2011.

Following the recent 2011 Budget, the Australian Government has committed to providing an additional $19.3 million over 5 years to existing D2DL services to provide additional structured activity places to people with severe mental illness access to structured activity programs. This new funding will be available to existing D2DL services from 1 January 2012.

Responsibility for the Day to Day Living Program rests with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Why is this important?

People with severe mental disorders face significant obstacles participating in social activities. This initiative recognises that meaningful activity and social connectedness are important factors that can contribute to people's recovery.

The Day to Day Living Program aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people with severe and persistent mental illness who experience social isolation through the provision of structured and socially based activity programs where individuals can participate in social rehabilitation activities and gain independent living skills.

Who benefits?

Through structured and socially based programs, the Day to Day Living Program aims to assist people who have a severe and persistent mental illness:

• which limits their ability to function in the community;
• who experience social isolation in the community due to lack of social supports; and/or
• who have a level of disability which will restrict their capacity to obtain employment in the open labour market in the foreseeable future.

What will the Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program deliver?

The Day to Day Living Program will deliver structured activity places to an additional 18,000 people over the period 2011-2016. In doing this the program aims to:

• support people with severe and persistent mental illness who experience social isolation;
• increase the ability of people with severe and persistent mental illness to participate in social, recreational and educational activities;
• assist people with severe and persistent mental illness to improve their quality of life and live successfully at an optimal level of independence in the community;
• expand the capacity of the non-government organisation sector to offer structured day programs for people experiencing social isolation through severe and persistent mental illness; and
• increase community participation by assisting participants to:
  • develop new skills or relearn old skills;
  • develop social networks;
  • participate in community activities;
  • develop confidence; and
  • accomplish personal goals.

The Day to Day Living Program has strong links with the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program which is managed by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. PHaMs provides one-to-one community based support which is tailored to individual participant goals and aspirations.

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How does it work?

The Day to Day Living Program is delivered by a number of non-government organisations in 49 pre-identified geographical sites around Australia building on existing non-government infrastructure. These sites have been chosen, in consultation with the State based Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) Mental Health groups, based on need, linkages to clinical and community support services and the capacity of the non-government sector in each site.

Organisations deliver a number of socially based activities to increase the ability of clients to participate in social, recreational and educational activities and increase their social connectedness and networks in the community. While most activities are centre based, a number of activities occur outside of the organisation's premises.

When did the Support for Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structure Activity Program start?

The Day to Day Living Program was launched in July 2007.

Where are Support for Day to Day Living in the Community – a Structured Activity Program services?

The Day to Day Living Program services can be found at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-d2dl-facts

Evaluation for the Day to Day Living in the Community - a Structured Activity Program

An evaluation of the D2DL program was undertaken during the period 2007-2009 and the final report on the evaluation (PDF 622 KB) has now been completed.

Further information

Email: daytodayliving@health.gov.au.

Page currency, Latest update: 15 July, 2011