Health Minister Jim McGinty has thanked the Geraldton community for its strong support for the planned Community Supported Residential Units (CSRU).

“The new state of the art $2.08m units, will provide much needed additional community based accommodation for people with a manageable mental illness in the area,” Mr McGinty said.

“I am heartened that the people of Geraldton have recognised that this is a community wide issue that needs a community wide response and have endorsed the new CSRU proposal.”

The CSRU will provide 14 new beds in supported residential style housing for people who have been assessed as suitable for community living.

Mr McGinty said the units, which would be professionally staffed at all times, to give residents the best possible chance at living full and productive lives.

“By providing a balance of independence and assistance, we believe this service model can deliver just that,” he said.

Acting Executive Director of Mental Health Dr Peter Wynn Owen said the CSRU’s would provide 14 new beds in supported residential style housing for people who have been assessed as suitable for community living.

“Following the project’s announcement earlier this year, the Department of Health has sought feedback from a range of community members, including the City of Geraldton, local mental health service providers, consumers, carers and representatives from neighbouring community facilities,” Dr Wynn Owen said.

“Through personal briefings, a community forum and on-going discussions with stakeholders, the Central West Mental Health Service has determined that this accommodation is something the town of Geraldton needs - and wants.”

“This kind of community acceptance is exactly what we need to make this project a success.”

Mr McGinty said the proposed units are a centrepiece of the State Government’s $173 m Mental Health Strategy, which will see a variety of accommodation options built throughout the Sate.

“The Strategy will transform the way we treat people with mental illness in WA, by providing real community based solutions.”