Human Services needs analysis

We completed a Human Services needs analysis for Yarra Ranges in 2023. Our analysis identified health and wellbeing impacts to residents and service providers.

We sent the survey to over 200 organisations that provide health and human services in the region. This also included Council teams that provide services to the community. 

Key findings

Nearly all services report ongoing pandemic impacts within the community. This is in terms of physical and mental health, social impacts and financial impacts.

Residents are having challenges in accessing local services that they need. Barriers include cost, transport and lack of availability. Service providers have found a lack of community needs for human services. This was mostly found in vulnerable groups and households experienced financial stress.

Services are facing major challenges in dealing with a demand for human services, including:

  • costs
  • government funding
  • staffing
  • infrastructure issues
  • limited availability of local services to refer people to

The service types with the most reports of increased demand over the past four years are:

  • emergency and food relief services
  • housing and homelessness support
  • social connection and support
  • mental health services
  • financial support services. 

Areas also have service gaps, along with transport access and youth services. The Hills and the Valley experience the highest level of service gaps. Factors driving need for services include:

  • service demands per person
  • complex chronic health issues
  • mental health issues
  • social disconnection
  • living costs
  • challenges with access to transport or affordable housing. 
  • reduced use of preventative health care during the pandemic has exacerbated health issues.

Next steps

The next steps for the project will be to share these insights. We can use this work to inform upcoming strategic and advocacy work. This work will be used with service providers to develop appropriate responses. 

We will conduct the next Human Services needs analysis in 2027.

 

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