An RMIT expert is available for comment on mental health and COVID-19
An expert from RMIT University is available to talk to media about the coronavirus mental health plan, and how young people are affected by the pandemic.
National coronavirus mental health plan
Dr Kathryn Daley (0412 168 361 or kathryn.daley@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: youth, mental health, homelessness, substance abuse
“The $48 million-dollar package is a first step in attending to the immediate and ongoing mental health crisis associated with COVID-19.
“However, only $29.5 million is going to direct services, which will only begin to address the problem forecast by the National Mental Health Commission.
“If $10.4 million is to be committed to an awareness campaign, we need to ensure that services are adequately resourced to support those who will need help.
“It is difficult to fully estimate the prevalence of mental health issues, but investment in prevention and early intervention will pay significant social and financial dividends later.”
Young people hit hard during COVID-19
“Young people are especially hard hit by the current economic situation. They are likely to have been employed in the industries most affected and in turn lost their jobs.
“Simultaneously, they are having to adjust to their education being significantly disrupted as education providers have scrambled to adapt to online learning.
“Those on the margins are suffering in ways that we don’t readily think about.
“Outreach workers have been unable to provide visits, which means that the most vulnerable members of our community have been without support.
“While online support is available, it cannot be accessed by many of those sleeping rough who don’t have access to technology.
“Extended periods without contact to support workers does not bode well for the mental and physical wellbeing of these people.
“Some groups have no control of the protections available to them.
“Those in prison and those in state care are subject to the arrangements placed upon them.
“We have seen increasing numbers of young people absconding from care, as well as social media campaigns drawing attention to the fact that prisoners are not provided with free soap: these highlight the human rights issues associated with those in institutional settings.”
Dr Kathryn Daley is a lecturer in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. She is an expert in public policy and social affairs.
For media enquiries, please contact RMIT Communications: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au
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