Information and advice
Information and advice
We know having the right information is essential when you are dealing with the impact of mental ill-health. People have many questions: What services are available? Who provides them in my area? How can I get the best out of my NDIS plan? What can I do to help someone I care about? Are there any services for my family, friends and carers?
This website has information about Mind services and about recovery. If you can’t find what you are looking for, then contact our customer service centre Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 (1300 AT MIND) and we will point you in the right direction.
Carers can get support and information to help them in their caring role by calling the Carer Helpline on 1300 554 660.
Lived experience online discussion forum
Moderated by mental health practitioners and consumers working in peer support roles, this online forum is a useful resource to build your support network and access information relevant to your mental health recovery.
The forum provides a means for you to stay connected and learn from the experience of others.
Carers online discussion forum
Moderated by mental health practitioners and carers working in peer support roles, this online forum is a useful resource for carers of people living with mental illness to build their support network and access information relevant to their own wellbeing and their loved one's mental health recovery.
The forum provides a means for you to stay connected and learn from the experience of others.
Go to the discussion forums.
Support coordination
Support coordination
Mind can help you coordinate support if you need support services from multiple providers.
A support coordinator will help you identify the most suitable providers, manage service agreements and promote communication between services involved in your care.
Mind is a registered NDIS provider for support coordination, but we also offer this service through various support packages such as those funded through Partners in Recovery (PiR) or Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative (MACNI) programs.
Find out more about Mind's support coordination services and view locations.
Specialised assessments, counselling, coaching and learning
Specialised assessments, counselling, coaching and learning
We operate a number of centres where you can get support from specialised allied health practitioners, counsellors, mental health coaches and peer educators. These include: Mind Centres for Mental Health and Wellbeing, the Mind Equality Centre, Mind Bendigo Centre for Counselling and headspace Greensborough (VIC). We also offer services through other headspace centres.
Counsellors use a tailored approach using a variety of techniques, including brief therapies, motivational interviewing and other specialised skills. We can offer counselling support to individuals, couples and family groups. The centres can also provide outreach support to people who require specialised assessment and support for complex behaviours, including occupational and psychological therapy.
Some clients may be able to receive subsidised sessions through the federally funded Psychological Strategies program (previously known as Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS), or the Better Access program. Some services are fundable through an NDIS plan.
Mind Recovery College™ offers peer-led short courses. This is an award-winning model, where people with real life experience of recovery share what works. At Mind Recovery College™ you are a student or a teacher of recovery, not a patient or a client. Our Mind Centres for Mental Health and Wellbeing host Mind Recovery College™ courses.
Call Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 (1300 AT MIND) for more information on any of our counselling, allied health assessments, coaching, mentoring and learning services. Please note that we can provide many of these services by video or telephone link, if preferred.
In home and community support
In home and community support
Mind offers two types of service models for in home and community support. Depending on the funding model, you might access a mental health coach and mentor service, or personal assistance service.
Mental health coach and mentor model - available to NDIS customers and also clients of funded 1:1 outreach programs
Your Mind worker comes to you to help you build skills and confidence in daily life activities. They'll also help you with some of the bigger things, like making friends and exploring new interests and experiences. With home and community support, you can focus on your personal recovery and growth.
Examples of the kinds of things you can ask for help with include:
- managing daily household tasks and taking care of yourself
- meal planning, shopping and cooking
- budgeting and managing day-to-day tasks
- managing and supporting you with appointments and activities (doctors, social workers, Centrelink, etc.).
- supporting you on social outings and recreation activities
- learning to use public transport and building confidence to get out on your own
- social support and encouragement.
Personal assistance model - available to NDIS or Fee-for-Service customers in metropolitan Melbourne
Your support worker comes to you to help you with daily life activities.
Examples of the kinds of things you can ask for help with include:
- completing daily household tasks
- personal care
- meal planning, shopping and cooking
- making and getting to appointments and activities (doctors, social workers, Centrelink, etc.).
- attending social outings and recreation activities
- using public transport and building confidence to get out on your own.
This service is delivered through partnership with the social enterprise arm of WISE Employment.
Group recreation and leisure activities
Group recreation and leisure activities
Mind offers a variety of social, creative, active leisure and support groups that can help you find new friendships, give and receive peer support and learn new skills.
Our groups offer a way for people to share their experiences of living with mental health challenges and their recovery journey whilst engaging in enjoyable, healing activities.
Group activities are available as NDIS services, but we also offer these services through other funding packages or by direct fee.
Supported independent living residential services
Supported independent living residential services
Mind offers residential-based support services in a safe, home-like environment.
Adults can access Mind supported independent living services delivered in shared housing to people with relevant NDIS funding packages. Tenancy arrangements are managed by a separate agency.
Young people are supported through residential rehabilitation models with access through the relevant state government's public mental health system.
Residents are supported with a range of individual and group activities that promote social connection and skills for independent living.
Sub-acute recovery care
Sub-acute recovery care
Delivered in partnership with hospitals, Mind offers recovery support in short-stay (up to 28 days) sub-acute residential units as an alternative to hospital (step up) or to help transition from hospital back into the community (step down). These are often also known as Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) services.
Some of our partner hospital and healthcare services have contracted Mind to provide follow up support in the community. Called Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response Services (EIPSRS), access is via patient case managers.
Mind also manages a few longer term residential programs (up to two years) offering intensive treatment and recovery support to enable a person to move back into the community.
Family and carer support services
Family and carer support services
At Mind, we recognise that caring for someone with mental health issues can be stressful, and that sometimes you need support yourself. We offer a range of supports, including counselling and peer support, respite, recreation days, carer education, an online forum and support groups.
If you call our Carer Helpline on 1300 554 660, we can help you identify what works best for you. (Please note that not all options are available across all Mind service sites.)
Find out more about Mind's family and carer support services and view locations.
Recovery retreats
Recovery retreats
We offer short-stay breaks at lovely locations, offering respite from your every day.
These are provided as flexible, high quality support packages including accommodation, food, help with daily living and personal care, and support to participate in activities.
Ranging from 1 - 14 days/nights at a time, these short stays deliver high quality 24/7 support tailored to your needs, with a focus on recreational activities and learning workshops.
Fundable as Short Term Accommodation under the NDIS, this service is also available to those with other funding packages.
To speak to someone about this service and get a quote, call our customer service centre Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 (1300 AT MIND).
