Social bond supports mental health of 573 people
by Verve
Verve Super invests in The Resolve Social Benefit Bond. This bond funds a NSW-based program dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for adults in crisis.
Funding mental health support
For the past seven years, this social bond has been funding mental health support for adults in crisis.
Based in NSW and delivered by Flourish Australia, the program provides accommodation and integrated support for people who have been hospitalised with mental health problems.
We wanted to celebrate this program’s successes: 573 participants have been given up to two years’ access to the program when they leave hospital. Firstly, they’re given intensive residential care with 24/7 support at Resolve centres.
In the medium term they are given regular psychosocial, medical and mental health support and are lined up with other support services. Then, as life begins to get back on track, they still retain access to a phone with 1:1 peer support at the other end of the line whenever they need it.
The bond is underpinned by a contract with the NSW government. Basically, the government pays based on the amount it anticipates the program is saving taxpayers. For example, if someone participating in the program is kept out of hospital in the long-term that’s considered a success for the participant and it’s also money saved for the government.
So that means when participants enjoy better outcomes, the bond delivers better returns! It’s all pretty clever – but money aside, this program is changing lives for the better.
Mandy’s story
Mandy*, 65, a keen artist and photographer, had spent a long time in hospital suffering from a schizoaffective disorder. She was discharged to the Resolve centre in Orange, where the team worked with her on her recovery – and her dreams. Mandy had always wanted to do an online art or photography course, but didn’t have a computer or camera. So the team bought her what she needed, and helped her enrol in the course.
Mandy remains positive and optimistic, engaging with developing her talents and receiving support from peer workers. She hasn’t had to go back to hospital since being on the program, which she credits as a huge stepping stone on her road to recovery.
So from everyone at Verve Super, we want to thank you for using your super to invest in a better world.
*The participant’s name has been changed to protect their privacy. Story shared by the Resolve Social Bond.
Investments may be held indirectly via an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) or Managed Fund (MF).
