SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 34
Appendix
Additionally, it was recommended that mental health resources should be streamlined and
targeted toward vulnerable groups including but not limited to, young people, older people,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the unemployed. This also includes
frontline, essential workers that have faced stress and anxiety during COVID-19 response
efforts.
Communities also believe that there is a lack of pathways to care for community members and
are calling for more guidelines on the services available and how to connect with services during
this time. This is especially true for remote and rural areas where a shortage of local health
personnel and resources, long distances and current limitations on public transport have
hindered access to support services. Furthermore, it was suggested that in addition to
employing more social workers for counselling and support, in order to maintain efficacy, some
essential services should continue offering face-to-face support for individuals who require that
connection.
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
34
