What is it?
The Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program, funded by WAPHA (WA Primary Health Alliance) provides non-clinical, short to medium term, low intensity support to individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses.
This program provides a range of services to help people manage their daily activities, connect to community services and strengthen their capacity to live independently and safely in the community, while achieving their recovery goals.
Support is also provided to individuals who would like to test their eligibility and submit an application for supports through the NDIS.
What supports does the program provide?
Our experienced team of Case Workers will work with you one on one to develop your individualised Support Plan to assist you to work towards your recovery goals. Support services can assist you in the following areas
Support to work towards individual recovery goals and independence.
For example, confidence to catch public transport, developing a meal plan, and accessing education and training
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Making decisions to support with problem solving and skill‑building
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Assistance to plan, face challenges and develop resilience and coping strategies
Providing emotional support and social connection
Providing practical assistance
For example, accessing housing assistance or government support payments
Support to re-connect and improve relationships with family and friends to increase support networks
Assistance with navigating the mental health system and accessing other appropriate services, including transport, advocacy, financial management, counselling and housing
Support to test NDIS eligibility
Building knowledge and capacity to promote physical and mental health
Participating in the consumer’s care team and providing advocacy support, noting the important role of carers and families
Providing opportunities to practice life skills
(e.g. maintaining a home, daily living skills, grocery shopping)
Is this the right program for you?
These support services are available to people who:
- Are living in the PHN (Primary Health Network) Perth South area, from South Perth to Mandurah
- Are aged 18 years and over
- Are living with a severe mental health challenge and have needs that can be met through short-term, low-intensity support
- Are not restricted in your ability to fully and actively participate in the community because of your residential setting ie not in prison or a psychiatric facility.
- Are not receiving similar psychosocial supports through a state or territory government program
- Are not a NDIS participant
Client Feedback
My case worker has been instrumental for my wellbeing. She has given me hope in my isolation and loneliness. My case worker has helped me with my application for NDIS and always cared for my mental health. I am very thankful for her support.
I needed someone objective to talk to about the situation I was in. `{`My counsellor`}` provided that. She listened and provided suggestions as to how I could manage different situations. Unlike others I have seen in the past who delved into my past she addressed my current situation and provided practical suggestions and strategies which helped me enormously. She was easy to chat to and at every session inquired as to my wellbeing. She didn’t rush me and always made me feel at ease. The fact that the service is free also makes a huge difference. One less worry when so much expenditure is being spent on the person I care for.
My case worker and HelpingMinds played a valuable role in my mental health recovery. If not for the patience, long-term nature of care provided and the quality of personnel, then there is no way I would have regained my independence so soon.
