This paper presents the findings from an Australian study in which forty-one people, who self-identified as having a psychosocial disability as a result of mental health problems, spoke about their priorities for treatment, care and support within a personalised funding context. The research enabled an improved understanding of the choices about support that people with psychosocial disabilities would make if offered individualised funding packages. Participant's prioritised specific supports to improve their health, financial situation, social connection, housing and personal relationships. A relationship with a support worker with a range of skills was identified as a key facilitator of these life goals, but people with psychosocial disabilities also valued opportunities to have discretionary funds to directly address the major problems they face including stigma, discrimination and poverty. The paper argues that social workers can potentially fill a range of roles and are well placed to work in partnership with people with psychosocial disabilities, having skills in co-production of services, negotiation and advocacy that are required if individual funding is to be maximised for user control, social justice and personal recovery outcomes.
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