GROUP SUPPORT BUILDING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Social isolation and loneliness contribute to poor mental health . Our Healthy Mind Hub provides group-based support to help NDIS participants with mental health issues to build social connections , be involved in community and learn new skills .
After pivoting to telehealth only in 2020 in response to COVID , we reintroduced in-person and hybrid groups to :
• grow the program to ensure participants could benefit
• offer a broader range of groups to meet participants ’ diverse needs
What did we achieve ?
141 clients supported
8684 hours of group support provided
38 different groups offered each week
broad program reach , supported clients from 13 Local Government Areas
PARTNERSHIP BOOSTS OUTCOMES FOR HOMELESSNESS
We partnered with Neami National , Housing Choices Australia , Uniting Vic Tas and Bolton Clarke to deliver ‘ Homelessness to a Home ’ ( H2H ), a unique program providing housing and high levels of support to improve long term outcomes for people experiencing homelessness , housed in hotels during COVID .
The partnership delivers H2H in Melbourne ’ s North East as part of the State Government ’ s Covid response and recovery . Merri Health provides intensive , specialised mental health care and linkages into the broader service system for H2H clients . The partnership approach ensures high quality , holistic care .
What did we achieve ?
provided specialised mental health and links to other local services for clients
all clients have been housed , enabling a bigger focus on building long term stability , better mental health and wellbeing
working in partnership with clients to support their recovery goals
funding extended for a further year until June 2023 following successful outcomes
Challenges
• difficulty recruiting qualified staff for the complex mental health roles
• program funding due to end in June 2023
What ’ s next ?
• ensuring clients are linked into a range of services prior to the program ending
• advocating for mental health support for people experiencing homelessness once H2H ends partnered with the YMCA to co-facilitate exercise groups
built stronger relationships with Local Area Coordinators , Support Coordinators , Recovery Coaches and other services to provide integrated care
What ’ s next ?
• exploring opportunities to further develop and expand services
• partnering with consumers / community for feedback to drive continuous improvement
Merri Health ’ s Carolyn Wallace at Lift the Lid Walk
LOCAL PARTNERSHIP ‘ LIFTS THE LID ’ ON STIGMA
We proudly partner with organisations on local initiatives that improve community wellbeing . Merri Health sponsored Moreland Rotary ’ s LIFT THE LID WALK on World Mental Health Day , to help raise research funds to support the estimated 1 in 5 Australians who experience mental illness .
The ‘ walk and talk ’ also aimed to break the stigma around mental health , with a safe space to discuss issues and support . Carolyn Wallace , Merri Health General Manager Family & Community joined staff and community in the walk . We also promoted the event to broaden community awareness .
“ Walking and talking are both great for our mental health . The more people talk to each other about their mental health , the better off we all are .”
– Carolyn Wallace
General Manager Family and Community
MERRI HEALTH / ANNUAL REPORT 2022
39