Leading not-for-profit social services provider, Spiritus (a caring arm of the Anglican Church) said today
increased funding was urgently needed to train essential services workers to recognise the early signs of
individuals and families at risk of mental ill-health.

Welcoming Queensland Government announcements this week focussing on improved investment for
mental health education, Spiritus said more needed to be done to assist people working at the
grassroots level with individuals and families in our communities to provide support and promote early
intervention.

Spiritus Group Manager, Counselling and Education Services, Dr Shane Farmer said workers who were
likely to be in initial contact with at-risk groups should be trained and resourced.

“Emergency service, childcare, school teachers, community group and primary healthcare workers
urgently need specialised training to be enable them to readily identify and respond to the signs
exhibited by those experiencing emotional and mental stress.

Developing caring relationships with clients and being mindful of the signs of distress is not just the job
of health professionals,” he said.

Dr Farmer said that while he welcomed increased government funding on mental health, funds should
be directed to educating and training workers who where most likely to come into contact with people
experiencing mental health pressures.

Dr Farmer advocates that it is time for the social services sector to initiate a discussion about working
directly with community groups and essential services providers to broaden support for families and
individuals in order to arrest the alarming increase of mental health issues.

“Certainly, at Spiritus we require our Counselling and Education Group Services staff to be proactive
and we prepare them through the provision of professional standards, policies and processes to help
guide our workers and ensure we provide proper care and attention,” Dr Farmer said.

The 2010 – 2011 Queensland floods continue to impact on the well-being and mental health of many in
the community. Spiritus has recorded escalated contact rates throughout its portfolio of social services
with some programs witnessing a 100 per cent increase in demand.

“Early intervention is vital and by equipping those in the community with opportunities for first contact
with those suffering from mental distress we can increase the rate of diagnosis and positively impact
recovery,” Dr Farmer said.

From January to September 2011, Spiritus provided counselling and support to some 800 families within
the Ipswich and Goodna areas compared to 380 families who sought support during the same period
the previous year.

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