Impact's Mental Health Service offers a Collaborative Recovery based Model (CRM) of psychosocial rehabilitation day programs for people aged between 16-64 who have a mental illness or who are experiencing both mental health disorders and drug and alcohol related problems. We operate at locations in Oakleigh and Frankston.

The Oakleigh service 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 service caters for people living in the Mordialloc to Frankston and Peninsula region.

The Mental Health Service at both Frankston and Oakleigh is funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The program aims to increase people’s confidence and skills in order to assist them to live independently in the community. The focus is to promote and enhance people to live their life, their way and to optimise possibilities.

The Mental Health Service offers the CRM in an 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

Impact's Mental Health Service provides a wide range of structured and semi-structured activities designed in consultation with participants that focus on the identified goals and needs of participants.

Service delivery is underpinned by the Collaborative Recovery Model through group and individualised support in the promotion of goal attainment, health and wellbeing.

Individualised support is delivered as a part of the CRM through the use of 'the Camera, the Compass and the Map' developed in partnership between the participant and their key worker.  The Map clearly articulates identified recovery goals, outcomes, skills and strengths.

Structured programs

The structured programs address the following areas:

• Personal growth and recovery
• Independent living skills development aimed at increasing competence and confidence
• Social interaction and communication skills
• Increase knowledge, awareness and access to community facilities and services
• Vocational skills and work related goals/ computer skills
• Creative expression
• Gender specific issues
• Budgeting
• Literacy
• Health & fitness

Semi-structured activities - Re-connect is a semi-structured group providing an informal environment that facilitates social contact and interactions for participants and staff. It's an opportunity to access computers, join in activities such as craft, art, table tennis or pool and listen to guest speakers providing information on employment, nutrition, Centrelink, etc.

Oakleigh Re-connect is available on Tuesdays from 12pm to 2pm. Lunch is provided at minimal cost. Re-connect is also available on Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Frankston Re-connect is available on Mondays from 12pm to 2pm. Lunch is provided at minimal cost. Re-connect is also available on Thursdays from 10am to 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.

Service Approach

Impact's Mental Health Service offers the CRM in 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. The service requires participants to willingly engage and commit to attend structured programs and engage actively in the CRM planning and framework.

Staff Profile

The Mental Health Service 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, Community Development, Creative Arts, Music and Education.

Selection Criteria and Referrals

A person is eligible for the Mental Health Service if they are between the ages of 16 and 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.

	Mental Health Service Referral Form
	Service Entry Enquiry and Eligibility

Contact Details:

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone – Oakleigh Office - 9568 6144      E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone – Frankston Office - 9770 6155    E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Does it cost anything to attend the Mental Health Service?
There is no cost to join the Mental Health Service, 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. At Re-connect 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 Service?
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 Service?
The Mental Health Service 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.