People receiving care in NSW mental health inpatient units will soon see physical improvements to the therapeutic environment, as statewide upgrades and refurbishments get underway.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said local health districts and specialty networks have received a share of $20 million to make important improvements, the first initiative of the NSW Government’s $700 million Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s long term plan to help our mental health facilities refresh their physical environment so they support modern care models,” Mrs Davies said.

“The $20 million investment is focused on delivering immediate benefits to help reduce, and where possible eliminate, the use of seclusion and restraint in NSW acute mental health facilities.”

“The funding will enable improvements such as new therapeutic equipment and furnishings, sensory rooms and other physical upgrades to infrastructure to make the environment more comfortable.”

Mrs Davies said the tender process to approve projects involved local health districts and networks working closely with people with lived experience of mental illness, carers, and local advocates to identify what improvements need to be made.

“We are committed to giving people an equal voice and opportunity to be active partners in their mental health care,” she said.

As part of the $700 million state-wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the NSW Government will enhance specialist statewide services, like child and adolescent, specialist older persons, mothers and babies and forensic services.

The funding is in addition to this year’s record $2.1 billion State Budget for mental health services and the result of recommendations made from the NSW Review into Seclusion, Restraint and Observation.

For mental health services in your local area phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, if you or someone you know needs crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14.