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People with a mental illness will have improved access to legal and health services under a project to be launched in NSW, A-G John Hatzistergos says.
The $1.3 million scheme, to be unveiled on Tuesday, will place legal practitioners and mental health workers at a number of community organisations to increase support.
Training will also be provided to lawyers and carers to improve legal help for people with complex conditions.
'It has been recognised for some time that people with mental illness have struggled to obtain the necessary legal advice and support from the community,' Mr Hatzistergos said in a statement.
The project was developed by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and includes a social work service for young homeless people, an Aboriginal mental health worker for an indigenous men's program, and legal support services for refugees and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
PIAC executive officer Robin Banks said the initiative would have a positive flow-on effect.
'By addressing legal and other needs such as accommodation, employment and mental health treatment, people are experiencing better outcomes and an overall improvement in quality of life,' she said.
The project is jointly funded by Legal Aid NSW, the Public Purpose Fund, and the Federal Attorney-General's Department.
