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Within the ACT are people who live with severe mental illness and associated psychosocial functional impairment. As some are unable to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), this lack of support led to a need for more intense and acute health services and potentially higher than necessary unplanned or crisis driven uses of the health system.
Through the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program, CHN has funded 3 services in the ACT to provide recovery-focused psychosocial supports to people living with severe mental health illness and issues. Over the last year, Woden Community Service (WCS), Flourish and Directions Health Services successfully delivered the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program to a total of 473 participants, over 6,518 occasions of service and 282 peer group sessions.
a) Woden Community Service – New Path
CHN, ACT’s PHN, commissioned Woden Community Service (WCS) to deliver New Path, an early intervention recovery program for people whose ability to manage daily activities and to live independently in the community has been seriously affected by their mental health issues. Participants receive support through a range of co-designed activities linked to an individual recovery plan.
The New Path program supports people typically aged 18 to 35, and up to 64 years of age. Over the last year, 231 participants through 2288 occasions of service. All participants indicated they had a positive experience with New Path.
The Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program (CPSP) has experienced high demand for services and meaningful outcomes for participants accessing both group and individual supports. WCS participants have been supported to achieve a wide range of personal recovery goals. Many have used practical support to pursue employment, volunteering or education, and have built strong support systems to help maintain their independence. Participants have also received support to improve their mental wellbeing and develop skills in resilience, problem-solving and emotional regulation through therapeutic interventions.
WCS reported significant achievements among those accessing group-based supports. Many participants have transitioned from relying heavily on staff to achieving greater independence and are now confident forming peer relationships. Others have organically taken on senior peer roles within the groups and are proactive in welcoming new members.
Testimonials
“I really enjoy the groups; they get me out and about interacting with other people in a safe environment. They provide social connection and improve my wellbeing.”
“I feel like my life is back on track and that I am now doing the things I am meant to be doing.”
“Before the program, I felt lost and now, all-in-all, I feel positive, and I feel happy because I know my path.”
“I felt heard every step of the way, I was treated with dignity and kindness and given hope for my recovery.”
Client Story
Amihan* (not her real name) was referred to New Path for support to increase her wellbeing and independence. A Peer Worker supported Amihan to identify a range of recovery goals aimed at improving her confidence and independence, including re-engaging in education and employment. Amihan faced significant challenges, including persistent anxiety and depression, and struggled with associated shame and stigma. To address this, Amihan’s Peer Worker provided a safe environment to engaged in supportive discussions to navigate these emotions and improve emotional regulation. Through these dialogues, Amihan learned self-care practices, strategies to reframe negative thoughts, and improve her ability to identify and acknowledge her achievements.
Amihan was supported to address her situational anxiety, which she identified as significant barrier to employment. The Peer Worker provided emotional support through safe storytelling and practical strategies to navigate feelings of significant discomfort in social settings, including mock interviews. Amihan actively participated in resume enhancement and job interview preparation, displaying newfound confidence in pursuing employment opportunities. Amihan’s mental health significantly improved over time, with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, and increased hopefulness. This enabled Amihan to reengage in study and successfully complete her Bachelor’s degree, showcasing her commitment to personal and professional growth. Amihan has now gained full-time employment as a gardener and tutor and feels well positioned for future career opportunities. Amihan’s journey with New Path, which included 7-months of weekly support, highlights the transformative impact of tailored support in overcoming mental health challenges.
b) Flourish – Bloom Healthy Living
The Bloom Healthy Living Program supports people aged between 18 – 64 years of age, who are experiencing chronic and severe mental health issues that impact on their capacity to participate in activities of daily living and have not been funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Over the last year, CHN, ACT’s PHN commissioned Flourish to provide support to 179 participants, through 3,186 occasions of service. In January 2023, Flourish introduced the iPad Program that was initiated to provide participants with access to technology to support various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, social engagement and personal development. An evaluation found that the iPad program demonstrated significant benefits in supporting participant goals, and it also facilitated meaningful family connections for those facing physical limitations. The program has shown promise in empowering individuals to take control of their lives and pursue their aspirations. By implementing targeted strategies and addressing identified hurdles, the program can further enhance its impact and ensure continued success in supporting participant well-being and recovery journeys.
Client story (Flourish)
Li* (not her real name) has a lived experience of trauma via technology and a lived experience of domestic violence. Flourish supported Li to access the NDIS and she was approved for support 3 days per week and started the process of accessing support from an assistance animal. Li identified a goal which included making an application for financial support through the Public Trustee. They were assisted to submit forms to ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal to have this assessed. Li was also supported to build capacity to confidently access the community, which reduced the sense of isolation and supported her on her recovery journey. She was linked with services for longer term support to continue on that journey. Li reported she feels a renewed sense of hope in her recovery journey and recommends Flourish to other people.
c) Directions – Alongside
CHN funded Directions Health Services to deliver the Alongside Program under the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program. Program growth has enabled eligibility to be expanded to include young people 16 years and over. The service offered integrated care, working closely with Directions’ Psychiatrist, primary health team, and counselling and case management teams to meet clients’ complex needs. In the 6 months from January 2024 to June 2024, the number of participants and occasions of service provided represent a 22% and 54% increase, respectively. Over the last year, Directions provided support to 63 participants over 1044 occasions of service.
Case Study (Alongside)
Mila* (not her real name) was referred to Alongside by Directions’ ‘Chat to PAT’ mobile health clinic for support to prevent eviction from her public housing property. Mila has a lifetime history of significant trauma and polysubstance use, has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety, and multiple physical health conditions. Housing ACT had begun formal eviction proceedings due to severe hoarding at Mila’s public housing property. She had made several appearances before the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) with little progress and eviction was likely. Canberra Community Law (CCL) was acting for Mila, but were struggling to maintain contact. Mila had not engaged with support or medical services for some years prior to engagement with Directions.
The Alongside Program Worker provided outreach support, working flexibly to build trust to establish and maintain engagement. Mila had filled one skip bin provided by Housing ACT. However, she was overwhelmed and traumatised by the scope of the task and the ACAT process. Balancing the urgency of the situation with an awareness of the complex mental health issues underpinning hoarding, the program worker worked with Mila and CCL on actions needed to prevent eviction. This included obtaining medical and mental health support documentation, arranging a My Aged Care assessment for hoarding support services, and seeking a referral to the Directions’ Psychiatrist and CatholicCare’s Next Steps counselling program. It also included supporting Mila to prepare a formal Witness Statement for ACAT and a referral to the specialised group program Buried in Treasures, run by Woden Community Service.
The probability of Mila being evicted from a public housing property into homelessness has been substantially reduced, and she is now receiving support services and medical care. Alongside involvement will continue with the aim of preventing eviction, maintaining engagement with appropriate supports, and addressing the longer-term issues underpinning hoarding to ensure the sustainability of her tenancy. If Mila is ultimately evicted, Alongside will remain engaged with her to provide support with the trauma of such an outcome, address immediate and emerging needs, explore housing options, and maintain connection with services.
