Triple R Outreach Program

A youth outreach service for young people recovering from mental illness

What the Triple R Program does

Triple R is a flexible, outreach psycho-social recovery program for young people (16-24 year old) who have a diagnosis of a mental illness. It offers individual support and programs for people living in the community. Many of the young people have had limited social or skill development, due to the impact of mental illness during their formative years. The Program also employs a Dual Diagnosis worker to assist clients who are dealing with alcohol and other drug issues. Triple R does not use drug and alcohol issues as criteria to refuse service. The Triple R Program aims to facilitate growth and skill development, enhance relationships and support individuals to improve the quality of their lives.

Who can access the Triple R Outreach Program?

The outreach program provides outreach support services to young people 16 – 24 years from the Hume Region who resides in the community. This includes existing clients moving on from the residential program who require transitional support for community living or new referrals (pre- residential program), who have a diagnosis of mental illness with or without coexisting alcohol and other drug issues, are living in the community and are considering being involved in the residential program.

Where is the Triple R Outreach Program?

The Triple R Outreach Program operates from the residential service which is situated in a residential area of east Wodonga.

What the program aims to do

Choosing to become part of the Triple R Outreach program requires the young person to make a commitment to be involved in their own recovery. Clients are encouraged to actively participate in the program, as well link into the general community and generic services and to work on developing their own individual recovery plans. The outreach staff at works in a holistic way to provide the young people with opportunities to make positive changes in their lives. They support the young people to assist them to develop a sense of belonging and self-worth. There is an emphasis on learning to deal with day to day tasks including linking with the residential program and the broader community. There are fun social and recreational opportunities and many positive links have been made with the local community, education and employment support services.

How to access the program

Clients access the program by referral. Referrals can come from any person, for example, a health professional, Counsellor, GP or psychiatrist, a parent/friend or self-referral by the individual. The referral process is usually initiated by telephone, which is followed by an invitation for an informal visit to meet staff and other residents. Referral forms must be completed before an interview and assessment date is confirmed.

Mind Triple R Service operates under a “no wrong door” philosophy. It formally recognises that individuals with dual diagnosis may enter a range of community service sites; that they are a high priority for engagement and that proactive efforts are necessary to welcome them into treatment. Each individual needing treatment will be indentified and assessed and will receive treatment, either directly or through appropriate referral, no matter where he or she enters the realm of services. (Crotan G, 2006, CSAT 2000a)