Yesterday, the NSW government announced it would invest $25 million in mental health support for flood affected people.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said since the flood she has been in regular talks with the Premier and Ministers in the NSW Government about mental health support.

"Supporting our community through the trauma of these floods must be a priority in our recovery," Ms Saffin said

"I welcome this announcement and will stay on the case to make sure our community gets what we need."

Details of the support package are:

$7 million over three years to fund Primary Health Networks to engage both clinical and non-clinical workforce, including staff for the Safe Havens, to boost local access to psychological and clinical support;

$5 million over three years to establish grants program for NGOs to fund trauma-based programs. Key focus on supporting young people, older residents and Aboriginal communities;

$5 million for state-wide needs based resourcing and support;

$3.5 million over three years to appoint Headspace and Lifeline work with affected communities to identify what each community needs;

$3.5 million over three years to recruit 10 Local Recovery Coordinators to:

• Coordinate mental health service delivery within their designated LGA, ensuring service providers are working with each other to plug gaps but also avoid duplication;
• Identify and respond to emerging issues, such as increases in mental health hospital activity, self-harm or suicidal ideation;
• Work closely with primary health initiatives, community and welfare agencies and mental health services to provide direct care and respond to local community needs and issues on the ground.
• $1 million to set up four pop-up Safe Havens in the areas hardest hit.
• Safe Havens are a place for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or in distress to seek refuge and support from people with lived experience.
• The space is welcoming and has a range of activities to help people divert their suicidal thinking. No referral is required to access a Safe Haven.