Mental health issues and resources in rural and regional communities : an exploration of perceptions of service providers

Abstract

Objective: To identify service providers’ and community
organisations’ perceptions of the resources available to support people with mental illness and the unmet needs of this client group in rural Queensland.

Design: An exploratory study was undertaken
involving focus group interviews across the study
sites.

Setting: Five regional towns in rural Queensland.
Participants: Ten to 14 members were recruited for
each of the five focus groups. The groups represented a
diverse mix of participants including health and community
service providers and representatives from community
organisations.

Results: Participants identified gaps in services in relation to health, employment and education, housing
and accommodation, transport and social inclusion and
health promotion. Inter-service communication and
inappropriate funding models were themes affecting
service delivery.

Conclusions: Specific service issues of housing and
transport were identified to be particularly problematic
for people with mental illness across all towns. Intersectoral communication and funding models require
further research.