Living at Mind Australia’s Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation (PRR) service in Preston (Victoria) has given Hailey the space, safety and structure to work on her recovery.
The 27-year-old has been a resident at Preston PRR since 2022. Previously, Hailey lived with a friend and her cousin, but she was crippled by poor mental health.
“I struggled to do anything; I wouldn’t get out of bed and I was in a lot of misery,” she said.
“I was in desperate need of support. When I moved into Preston PRR I was given the support that I didn’t know I needed. It made my rehabilitation process a lot more effective and I started to feel like I could do little things such as cleaning, going outside and getting the things that I needed for the week.”
Mind’s PRR services provide people experiencing mental health challenges with a rehabilitation focused program in a residential setting, to help them build their capacity to live independently. At PRR services, residents develop a greater understanding of their mental health, learn life skills like confidence and connection with others, and receive support with activities of daily living.
At Preston PRR 24/7 NDIS funded support is provided onsite by Mind Australia staff.
“The staff are a great sounding board for me when I’m struggling and I can’t process what I’m going through unless I speak out. I feel like I can’t write down and read my thoughts, but the staff are so helpful at just listening and letting me understand my experience and what I’m going through just by talking,” Hailey said.
“If I’m having any problems I can go check with the staff and get perspectives from individuals I trust. I often say how grateful I am; if it wasn’t for this service I could be dead, homeless and on drugs or not here at all.”
Mind’s PRR services consist of several self-contained units that also share communal spaces such as gardens, kitchen and eating areas. Staff foster a supportive community environment by facilitating recreational group activities that help build social skills and connection with others.
Hailey has made her unit ‘home’ by decorating it with statues of Egyptian goddesses and elephants, which she describes as her spirit animal. She says the best thing about living at Preston PRR is that it makes her feel safe.
“I’ve been able to remain in a secure place where I feel grounded enough to do the internal work that I need to do for myself,” she said.
“It’s not restrictive, which is a big thing. When you’re safe in a place that’s not restrictive, you can move at your own pace. I get along with the other residents, and there are times when I like socialising with others, but I spend a lot of my time being meditative and processing – and now I have the space to do that.”
Are you or someone you know looking for a place to call home? Mind’s Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation service in Preston currently has vacancies for NDIS participants with Supported Independent Living in their NDIS Plans. To find out more or submit a referral call 1300 286 463.
For more information about Mind services near you, contact us by submitting a form via Mind Connect or phone: 1300 286 463.
If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If you would like more information, please contact us.
1300 286 463
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Living at Mind Australia’s Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation (PRR) service in Preston (Victoria) has given Hailey the space, safety and structure to work on her recovery.
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