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This is the easy-to-read text-only version of our Access to Services at MIFWA information.
Download the full Access to Services at MIFWA Policy.
Access to Services at MIFWA
Important words
Some words in this page may be new or hard to understand.
- Access requirements: The rules about who can use a service.
- Advocate: A person who can help you have your voice heard.
- Eligibility: The rules about who can access a service.
- Interpreter: A person who helps people communicate in different languages.
- Referral: When a person or service asks for support from another service.
- Intake: The steps MIFWA uses when you ask for support.
Getting support from MIFWA
- MIFWA wants it to be easy to ask for support.
- We will treat you with dignity and respect.
- We will try to give you information in a way you can understand.
What is this page?
This page explains:
- who can use MIFWA services
- how to ask for support
- what happens after you contact us
- what happens if there is a waiting list
- what you can do if you disagree with a decision
Who can use MIFWA services?
MIFWA supports different people in different ways.
Each service has its own rules about who can use it.
Some services may be for:
- people experiencing mental health challenges
- family members and carers
- community members
- learners and professionals
- people with NDIS funding, if this applies to the service
Some services may have rules about age, location, support needs or funding.
How do you ask for support?
You can ask for support in different ways.
- You can call MIFWA.
- You can email MIFWA.
- You can ask in person.
- A family member, carer, support person, advocate or another service can help you contact MIFWA.
We will explain what services are available.
We will explain the rules for each service in a way you can understand.
Can someone help you?
Yes. You can ask someone you trust to help you contact MIFWA.
This could be:
- a support person
- an advocate
- a carer or family member
- an interpreter
What happens after you contact us?
We will talk with you about what you need.
We may ask questions so we can understand:
- what support you need
- what goals you have
- which service may be right for you
- whether you meet the access requirements for the service
If you can use a service
If a MIFWA service is right for you, we will explain the next steps.
This may include:
- helping you start the service
- making a support plan
- agreeing on a start date
- placing you on a waiting list if the service is full
What if there is a waiting list?
Sometimes a service is full.
If this happens, we will explain what the waiting list means.
We may give you information about other supports while you wait.
What if MIFWA is not the right service?
Sometimes MIFWA may not be the right service for you.
If this happens, we will:
- explain why
- try to give you information about other services
- ask for your consent before sharing your personal information, unless the law says information must be shared
How do we make access easier?
We try to make intake and referral easier.
- explaining services clearly
- explaining who can access each service
- asking what support you need
- supporting advocates, carers and interpreters when needed
- giving information in a way that is easier to understand
- helping with other service options where possible
How do we improve access?
We listen and learn so access to services can improve.
We may:
- talk with consumers, carers and families
- ask for feedback
- work with other services and community organisations
- look at who can and cannot access services easily
- improve access where possible
Can you get information in different ways?
Yes. We may give information in different ways.
This may include:
- website and online information
- printed brochures and information sheets
- Easy Read documents
- translated information where practical and requested
- interpreter or bilingual support when needed
Respecting culture and diversity
We want our services to be safe and welcoming.
We respect:
- different cultures
- different languages
- different beliefs
- different abilities
- different life experiences
Your rights
You have the right to:
- be treated fairly
- be treated with dignity and respect
- understand what services are available
- receive information in a way you can understand
- have an advocate, support person or interpreter involved when needed
- ask why a decision was made
- give feedback or make a complaint or appeal
What if you disagree with a decision?
You can ask us to explain a decision.
You can also give feedback, make a complaint or make an appeal.
We will tell you how to do this.
Contact us
If you need help asking for support, please call us on 9237 8900 or email us at info@mifwa.org.au.
We can talk with you about:
- accessibility requirements
- referral and intake questions
- language support
- interpreter services
- alternative formats
- individual support needs