Central Highlands Personal Helpers & Mentors Program

A Personal Helpers & Mentors (PHaMs) Outreach Program for people recovering from mental illness

What Central Highlands PHaMs does

Central Highlands PHaMs offers an outreach service for people whose ability to manage their daily activities is impacted by mental illness, but who have the skills to live in the community with outreach support.

The program consists of a Program Manager and a Team Leader who work with clients to assist in areas of:

• Increased access to appropriate support services at the right time
• Improved coordination of care
• Increased personal capacity of self reliance
• Increased community participation

Central Highlands PHaMs Volunteer Program

PHaMs volunteers spend two hours a fortnight with clients to assist them to achieve some of their recovery goals. This may include social and recreational activities, which will help clients to gain confidence in their ability to live independently in the community.

Who can access Central Highlands PHaMs

Central Highlands PHaMs provides services to people aged 16 and over, who are recovering from mental illness and reside in the the Central Highlands. The special needs target group includes; Indigenous Australians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people aged 16 to 24 years, people who are at risk of homelessness or have previously been incarcerated and/or have drug and alcohol issues.

What the program aims to do

The strength based recovery focus of the service is to build on existing skills and attempt to foster activities that promote sustainable and meaningful participation within the community for people who are at risk of falling through the gaps.

How to access the program

The referral process is usually initiated by telephone. Referrals can be made to the program by a mental health service, other service providers, self-referral, a family member, friend or worker. Referral forms are provided for completion and applicants are required to attend an assessment interview before being offered a place at Central Highland PHaMs.

Further Information:

Please contact the Program, from 9.00am – 5.00pm
Monday to Friday.
Phone:    (03) 5331 2633
Fax:        (03) 5331 3899

Email: info@mindaustralia.org.au