MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
The Mental Health Program provides recovery oriented, psychosocial rehabilitation day programs for people aged between 18-65 who have a mental illness or are experiencing both mental health and drug and alcohol related problems and disorders. We operate at locations in Oakleigh and Frankston.
The Oakleigh Program caters for people living in the Middle South metropolitan region, covering the suburbs of Clayton, Oakleigh, Clarinda, Heatherton, Bentleigh, Hampton, Highett, Sandringham, Cheltenham, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Mentone and Mordialloc.
The Frankston Program caters for people living in the Mordialloc to Frankston and Peninsula region.
The Mental Health Program at both Frankston and Oakleigh is funded by the Department of Human Services. The program aims to increase peoples confidence and skills in order to assist them to live independently in the community.
The Mental Health program is voluntary and aims to offer a recovery focused environment which is supportive, comfortable, accepting, stimulating, challenging, responsive and consistent, in order to encourage participants to develop both self awareness and their social and community networks.
Support - Both programs provide a wide range of structured and semi-structured activities designed in consultation with participants focusing on individual identified goals and needs. Service delivery is underpinned by the recovery model through group and individualised support in the promotion of goal attainment, health and well-being.
Individualised support is offered through the development of an Individual Program Plan (IPP). The IPP is developed with a key-worker and participant which clearly articulates recovery goals, outcomes, skills and strengths.
Structured programs - The structured programs address the following areas:
Personal growth and recovery
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Independent Living Skills development aimed at increasing competence and confidence
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Social interaction and communication skills
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Increase knowledge, awareness and access to community facilities and services
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Vocational skills and work related goals/ computer skills
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Creative expression
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Gender specific issues
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Budgeting
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Literacy
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Health & fitness
Semi- structured programs (Drop-in) - The drop-in program is a semi-structured activity providing an informal environment which facilitates social contact and interactions for participants and staff. It’s an opportunity to access computers, play table tennis, pool, use craft materials and enjoy a coffee. The drop-in program is offered during the following times:
Oakleigh – Tuesdays 12-2pm. This is a participant run activity, lunch is provided at minimal cost. Thursdays 2-4pm
Frankston – Mondays 12 -2pm lunch is provided at minimal cost. Thursdays from 10am -12pm
Cost – there is no cost to become a member of the program. However, most groups may charge a small fee to cover costs. For example $3 to help with materials.
Program Approach - The Mental Health Program aims to offer an environment which is supportive, comfortable, accepting, stimulating, challenging, responsive and consistent in order to encourage participants to extend their skills, develop self-awareness and broaden their social networks. It is a voluntary program and therefore requires participants to willingly engage and commit to attendance at structured programs and individual program planning.
Staff Profile - The Mental Health Program is managed by the Services Manager. There is a Coordinator and a multi-disciplinary team based at both sites. Professional backgrounds include Counselling and Psychotherapy, Social Work, Community Development, Creative Arts, Music and Education.
Selection Criteria and Referrals - A person is eligible for the Mental Health Program if they are between the ages of 18-64, have a psychiatric disability and live in the catchment areas described above.
Access to the program is by referral only, including self-referral. Please contact the Oakleigh or Frankston office to make a referral.
Contact Details –
E-mail: reception@impact.vic.edu.au
Telephone – Oakleigh Office - 9568 6144. Frankston Office - 9770 6155 email: michele.sholl@IMPACT.vic.edu.au.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Does it cost anything to attend the Mental Health Program?
There is no cost to join the Mental Health Program, however, some groups charge a fee to help cover costs. e.g. The Art group costs $3 to help subsidise the art materials that are provided. With the Drop-In Program you pay for what you eat and there may be a charge for outings where there are admission costs and/or food provided.
Is it compulsory to attend once I've joined the Mental Health Program?
As part of your commitment to your rehabilitation we encourage you to attend regularly. If this is not possible we encourage you to speak to your keyworker to see what can be arranged.
How long can I come to the Mental Health Program?
The Mental Health Program is a rehabilitation program, therefore it is different for everyone based on the level of support that is needed. Only you know how much support you need, and how long that may take is up to you.
The Mental Health Program Frankston. Two drop-in sessions are offered each week, as well as various structured groups ranging from recreation and gender specific groups to skilling groups such as computers, cooking and sewing.
