This discussion paper examines psychosocial support in Australia’s mental health system and the economic evidence of its impact. While emerging findings indicate mental, social, and economic benefits, robust evaluation remains limited. Gaps include definitions, frameworks, and system-level data. The paper calls for investment in measurement, mapping, and economic evaluation to strengthen evidence and inform reform.

This report seeks to unpack the experience of Cherbourg, a small Aboriginal Community in Queensland, in implementing a doorknocking approach to understanding and supporting Community members’ mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. It highlights the need for mental health initiatives to be more responsive to the unique needs of Aboriginal Communities.

This updated report presents preliminary research findings from data collected during the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC) Project – a proactive outreach initiative that utilised doorknocking to initiate conversations about mental health across 27 Australian communities over three project rounds.

This summary report provides an overview of the Round 3 survey responses and associated research findings from the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection Project - which represents a novel approach to understanding and supporting mental health and wellbeing in Australia.

The Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC) Project is a novel approach to understanding and supporting mental health and wellbeing in Australia. This report builds off the previous Round 2 evaluation report.