ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - Mentis Assist...9 Mentis Assist - Annual Report 2015 Optimum personal recovery and wellbeing. To provide opportunity for people living with mental illness and/or

ANNUAL REPORT 201523-25 Yuilles Road, Mornington Victoria 3931

t 1300 MENTIS (1300 636 847) f 03 5970 5055

info@men�sassist.org.au | www.men�sassist.org.au

3MentisAssist-AnnualReport2015

Why we do what we do

MentisAssistsupportspeoplelivingwithmentalillness(andtheircarers)toimprovetheirgeneralwellbeingandtoembraceopportunitiesforamoremeaningfullife.

What we do

Utilisingour‘tool-kit’comprisingrecovery-orientated,person-centred,family-sensitive,strengths-basedandsolution-focusedpracticeskills;wesupportpeopletogainabetterunderstandingofthemselves,identifyareastheywishtoimproveupon,linkingwithservices,offeringcareco-ordinationandtothensupportandguidethemtoachievetheiridentifiedgoals.

How we make this happen

Togetherwesupportpeopleto:

• Haveagreaterunderstandingofself(strengths,challengesandgoals)• Gaintoolsandstrategiestobettermanage• Achievepersonalgoals• Enhanceconfidenceandself-esteem• Improvepersonalrelationships

Welcome to mentis Assist

MentisAssist-AnnualReport2015 4

“Iamstartingtoidentifygoalsthatonceseemedoutofmyreach&withsupportI’vecometounderstandthatthesmalleststepsshouldbecelebratedaseverymoveisone

stepclosertoachievingmygoals.”

(YouthClient)


tAble of contents

WelcometoMentisAssist........................................................................ 1

Whatwedo............................................................................................... 6

Whoweare............................................................................................... 8

QualityStatement..................................................................................... 9

ChiefExecutiveOfficer’sReport2014-2015........................................... 10

ChairofBoardReport2014-2015.......................................................... 11

MentisAssistBoardofGovernance......................................................... 12

DirectorofServices................................................................................... 14

ServicesManager...................................................................................... 15

BrandUpdate............................................................................................ 16

ClientSuccessStory.................................................................................. 18

YouthOutreach......................................................................................... 19

CarerandFamilySupportProgram.......................................................... 20

HomeandCommunityCare(HACC)Program.......................................... 21

MentisAssistIntakeReferralPathways.................................................... 22

BreakingtheCycle–ReducingHomelessness......................................... 23

Paul’sStory................................................................................................ 24

PartnersinRecovery(PIR)........................................................................ 26

ParticipantsAdvisoryGroup(PAG)........................................................... 28

FinanceReport.......................................................................................... 29

Supporters................................................................................................. 30


mental Health community support services (mHcss)Supportsclientswithadiagnosedsevereand persistentpsychiatriccondition,inconjunction withimpairmentsthataffecttheircapacityforsocialandeconomicparticipation.MentisAssistprovides recovery-focusedoutreachandgroupprograms inthecommunity.TheMHCSSprogramisdesigned toenhancetheperson’sindependence, self-responsibility,generalhealthandwellbeing.

Youth-focused (16-24 years)MentisAssist,inpartnershipwithPeninsulaHealthandMindAustralia,deliverstheFrankstonYouth PreventionandRecoveryCare(YPARC)program. Thisisaclinicalshortstaycommunityresidential centreforyoungpeopleexperiencingpsychiatric and/oremotionaldistress.

MentisAssistisalsoco-locatedatFrankston Headspacetosupportyoungpeoplethrough specialisedgroupworkandoutreachsupport. MentisAssistYouthPractitionersworkincollaborationwithotheryouth-focusedserviceproviderstofacilitatewraparoundcareandstreamlinereferralpathwaysthatsupporteasieraccessforourmutualclients.

Partners in RecoveryTheFrankston-MorningtonPeninsula‘PartnersinRecovery’(FMPPIR)initiativeaimstoimprovesystemresponseto,andoutcomesforpeoplewithsevereandpersistentmentalillness.MentisAssistSupportFacilitatorsprovidewraparoundcarethatisindividuallytailoredtotheperson’sneedsbycoordinatingformal/informalsupportsandservices.Throughworkingincollaborationwithotherhealthandserviceproviders,weaimtodevelopstreamlinedreferralpathwaysthatprovideseasieraccessforourmutualclient.

breaking the cycle: Reducing HomelessnessSupportsclientswithadiagnosedsevereandpersistentpsychiatricconditioninconjunctionwithahistoryoflong-termhomelessness(minimum1year)orwhohavebeensleepingrough“couchsurfing”foraminimumof3years.

Thisprogramaimstoreducehomelessnessinourlocalcommunityandaddressthesubsequenthealth,social,emotionalandeconomicimpact.

ThisprogramisafouryearpilotoperatedincollaborationwithMentisAssist(Lead),PeninsulaHealthCommunityMentalHealthandSalvoCareEastern.

WHAt We Do


carer and family supportProvidesshorttermoutreachserviceforcarers(family/friends)whosupportsomeonewithamentalillness.Supportiscarerdirectedandmayincludesourcingopportunitiesthatprovideflexiblerespite,linkagestocommunitysupportsandCarerGroups.Carersaresupportedtogainabetterunderstandingofmentalillness,copingstrategiesandindependence.

Home and community care – Access & supportProvidessupportforHomeandCommunityCare(HACC)eligiblepeoplewhoareexperiencingarangeofdiversecareneeds(notnecessarilymentalhealth)andwhoarealsofindingitdifficulttoaccessservices.Assistanceisprovidedtoassesstheperson’scareneedsandprovidesupportedreferralstorelevantservices.

Home and Community Care – Participant Activity GroupsProvidingopportunitiesforpeople65plus(orwithagerelatedillhealth) toattendaweeklygroupintheirlocalarea.AtMentisAssistwespecialise inprovidingthesegroupsforpeoplewithamentalhealthdiagnosis.

Plannedactivitygroupsaredesignedtoenhancepeople’sindependencebypromotingphysicalactivity,cognitivestimulation,goodnutrition,emotionalwellbeingandsocialinclusion.Groupsmayproviderespiteopportunitiesforcarers.

HoPe

belieVe

AcHieVe

“Recovery requires self-confidence, self-esteem, self-awareness and self-acceptance. It is a liberating process and one in which practitioners need to believe in.” (Ron Coleman, UK, 2011).


WHo We AReMentis Assist provides specialised mental health support for people (16+) living in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas.

Weareanot-for-profit,non-government,CommunityManagedMentalHealthService,supportingpeople(16+years)withsevereandenduringmentalillnessandpsychiatricdisabilities.

MentisAssistassistspeopletorecognisetheirvalues,strengthsandgoals,withanemphasisonimprovinghealth andwellbeing,independence,socialparticipationandenhancingmeaningfulrelationshipswithfamilyandsignificantothers.

MentisAssistworkforceconsistsofhighlytrainedprofessionalsandpeerswhoarewellsupportedbytheOrganisationtoproviderecoveryorientated,person-centred,strengths-basedtherapeuticpractices.

Ourrecoveryframeworkisgroundedonthefollowingdomains:

• Promotingacultureofhope

• Promotingautonomyandself-determination

• Collaborativepartnershipsandmeaningful engagement

• Focusonstrengths

• Holisticandpersonalisedcare

• Inclusiveoffamily,carers,supportpeople andsignificantothers

• Communityparticipationandcitizenship

• Responsivetodiversity

• Reflectionandlearning


Optimumpersonalrecoveryandwellbeing.

Toprovideopportunityforpeoplelivingwithmentalillnessand/orcomplexneedstoenjoyameaningfullifebystrengtheningself-identity,personalresponsibilityandhope.

Recovery-orientatedpracticeisapartnershipwherethepersonwith thelivedexperienceistheexpertintheirrecoveryandourstaffbringtheirunderstandingandexpertisetosupportthisjourney.

RespectandDignity,AcceptanceofDiversity,ReflectivePractice,Strengths’Based,Person-Centred,FlexibilityandInnovation,CollaborativePartnerships,CommunityConnectionandParticipation.

BasedonColeman’sRecoveryapproachandincorporatesthe (DepartmentofHealth)‘VictorianFrameworkforRecovery-OrientatedPractice’(2011)andtheNationalMentalHealthStandards(2010).

Weensureahighlyskilled,supportedandinformedworkforce, providingopportunitiesforreflectivepractice,flexibilityandinnovation,developingandmaintainingcollaborativepartnerships,evaluation,planningandcontinuousimprovement.

Our Vision

Our Purpose

WeBelieve

Our Guiding

Principles

Our ServiceModel

ValuedWorkforce

QUAlitY stAtement


cHief execUtiVe officeR’s RePoRt 2014 - 2015

This year has been a dramatic contrast to the previous year, it’s been one of fine tuning and exploring our organisation’s new structure and service model, as a result of the Victorian Governments recommissioning of the Community Mental Health sector.

2014-15hasbeenaparadoxofbothreflectionandpreparationforthefuture,withaspecificfocusonservicedeliveryandstrategicpositioning.Theboardandmanagementteamsdecidedearlierthisreportingperiod,toundertaketheenormousmarketingtaskofrenamingandrebrandingtheorganisation.

WiththerolloutoftheNationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme(NDIS),organisationsneedtopreparethemselvesenteringacompetitivemarket.Withtherecentandfuturechanges,wherewearenow,willbeverydifferenttowherewewillbeinfiveyears’time.Onthe13thAugust2015ataneventheldatManyungGallery,Mt.Elizawelaunchedournewcompanynameandbrand,MentisAssistLimited.Thismilestoneeventwasayearinthe making,andhasatsomepoint,involvedmanyofourkey stakeholdersduringthisjourney.Ourfreshnewlookhasbroughtanoverwhelmingpositiveresponsefromstaff,clients,stakeholdersandthecommunity.AmoredetailedreportoftheprocessandthesymbolicreferenceofthenameMentisAssistisoutlinedwithinthisyear’sAnnualReport.

Anorganisationalmember’sSpecialResolutionmeetingwasheldonthe20thMay2015.AresolutionwaspassedthatPeninsulaSupportServicesIncorporated,transferitsincorporationstatusundertheAssociation’sIncorporationsReformAct,totheCorporationsActasa‘CompanyLimitedbyGuarantee’.

Onthe28thAugust2015,theAustralianSecurities&InvestmentsCommission(ASIC)certifiedMentisAssistLimitedasaCompanyLimitedbyGuaranteeandaPublicCompany.

Assignificantasthesechangesare,ourorganisation’spurpose,objectivesandvalueshavenot,andwillnotchange.Thecatalystforthisdirectionwasinresponsetotheexternalmarketmovement.

MentisAssistclearlybelievesandtakesprideinwhatwedo,bysupportingself-directedcare,bywalkingbesideclientsandbypromotingrecovery.Ourorganisation’sDNAhasandwillremainthesame,itisonlythe‘wrapping’thathaschanged.

MentisAssist’sparticipationwithintheprimaryhealthenvironmentcontinuestodevelop.DuringMarch2015,MentisAssistwasasignatorytotheCreatingSafety,EqualityandRespectinourCommunity:acatchmentwidestrategytoPreventViolenceagainstWomenandtheirChildren.ThisStrategywaslaunchedbyRosieBatty,andhascreatedaplatformforservicestobuildonskills,knowledgeandresourcesinacollaborativeeffortbyfocusingonprimaryprevention.MentisAssistalsointroducedaveryenthusiasticpeerworkforceandwasactivelyinvolvedintheestablishmentofaregionalMentalHealth‘PeerWorkforceHub’.Thisuniqueinitiativeisco-locatedatMentisAssist,whichisapartnershiparrangementbetweenallofourregionalmentalhealthproviders.TheHubprovidesmentalhealthpeerworkersfromacrossthecatchment,withaplacetonetworkwitheachother,participateinprofessionaldevelopmentandformalandinformalgroupandindividualsupervision,andprovidesaplatformforsectordevelopmentandreformopportunities.

FinallyIwouldliketoextendmysincerethankstoallofourstaff,clients,carers,volunteers,workcolleagues,partnersandtoourBoard.Thecontinuingcommitmentofeveryonehasbeeninstrumentalintransforminglives.

terry Palioportas |ChiefExecutiveOfficer


ThisismyfirstannualreportundertheauspiceofMentisAssistLtd.,formerlyknownasPeninsulaSupportServiceInc.

ThenewnameandbrandingwaslaunchedinAugustattheManyungGalleryinMtEliza.Theeventwaswellattendedandthenewnamewaswellreceived.MythanksgotoDavidWemyss-Smithownerofthegalleryforhisgenerosityinsupportingthelaunch.

ThisisthethirdnamechangefortheOrganisationsinceitwassetupasPeninsulaPsychiatricService(PPS)in1988.Atthattimeitwasasmallagencywithacoordinator,anadminpersonandtwoparttimeprojectworkers.Nineyearslaterin1997thenamewaschangedtoPeninsulaSupportServices(PSS).Fundinghadgraduallyincreasedtoprovideservices,whichinvolvedtheemploymentofmorestaff.

Now27yearslater,theOrganisationhasgrownfromthatsmallbeginningtoamuchlargerentity,employing46staffmemberssupportedbyanumberofvolunteers.

InthefollowingpagesofthisAnnualReportyouwillbeguidedthroughthevariousservices,programsandsupportsavailabletoparticipantsandthemanyotheractivitiesthattakeplaceatMentisAssisttomeettheneedsandexpectationofthecommunity.MuchworkisundertakentoensurethatMentisAssistprovidesaneffectiveandefficientservicewhichpromotesourvalueswhilemeetingmentalhealthaccreditationstandards,alllegalobligations,andaboveallisaprogressiveorganisation.

WiththeadventoftheNationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme(NDIS),wearelivingintimesofchangebutitisnotclearhowtheproposedchangeswillimpactontheOrganisationandparticipants,withsignificantchangestofundingarrangements.Overthepastfewyearstherehasbeenalevelofuncertaintyforbothstaffandparticipants,firstlywiththerecommissioningandsubsequentlywiththeproposedimplementationofNDIS.

HoweversomeofthatuncertaintyhasnowdissipatedasthesuccessfulserviceswererecommissionedinJulylastyearandtherolloutdateoftheNDIStothisareahasnowbeenannounced,sowehaveatime-frametoworkto.

Whileallthisworkandtimeconsumingplanninghasbeentakingplace,itisverymuchtothecreditofTerryPallioportas(CEO),managersandstaffthattheday-to-dayservicedeliveryandprogramshavebeencontinuingasusualinordertoprovidesupporttoparticipantsandtheirfamilies.

MembersoftheBoardofGovernancehavebeenfocussedongaininganunderstandingofwhattheproposedimplementationofNDISwillmeantoMentisAssistandplanningthewayahead.Itisessentialtogivedirectionandlaythegroundworkforthefuturechangesthatwilltakeplace,hencetherebrandingandnamechangeandtheapplicationtotheAustralianSecuritiesandInvestmentCommission(ASIC)tobecomeaCompanyLimitedbyGuarantee.

InJuneKevinClarke,joinedtheBoardandnowholdsthepositionofTreasurer,followingtheresignationofClareLehanewhohasbeenontheBoardforeightyearsandhasbeenTreasurerduringthattime.Overthatperiod,ClaredemonstratedacommitmenttotheOrganisation,bothintheroleofTreasurerandaBoardMember.HerfinancialskillsinoverseeingthebudgetwithpositiveoutcomeseachyearhavegreatlycontributedtothesuccessofMentisAssist.

RobinHulsehasalsoresignedfromtheBoard.ShebecameamemberoftheBoardabouteightyearsago,andhasbeenastrongadvocateforparticipants,particularlyformembersofWirildaandtheMcLeodClub,nowcalledOrana.RobinhasmadeanimportantcontributiontotheBoardandtheOganisation,inherroleasacommunityrepresentative.Shehasgivenhertimefreely,participatinginBoarddeliberations,strategicplanningandotheractivities.

IwishtothankbothClareandRobinfortheirinput,theirtimeandenergy.IthankthemfortheirsupportoftheBoardmembers,inparticulartheirgeneroussupportofmyselfasChairoftheBoard.Itisverymuchappreciated,andwewishthemwellintheirfutureendeavours.

IthankTerryforhisleadershipoverthepastyears,forhisenthusiasminembracingthechallengesandpursuitofasuccessfulfutureforMentisAssist.Ialsothankthemanagersandstafffortheirprofessionalismandfore-bearancewithregardtoallthechangesthathavebeenhappeningoverthepastfewyears.

IwishtoacknowledgemyfellowBoardmembers,fortheirdedication,timeandcommitment.

ThisisthedawningofaneweraandtheBoardisconfidentthatMentisAssistcanlookforwardtoaverysuccessfulfuture.

Dawn fisher|ChairofBoardofGovernance

cHAiR of boARD RePoRt 2014 - 2015


Dawn fisher - chairperson DawnFisherhasmanyyears’experienceinnursingintheUK.SincemigratingtoAustraliain1982shehasworkedinthefieldofpsychiatry,withafocusonworkingwiththeelderlywhohavepsychiatricproblems.DawnwasinvolvedintheinitialestablishmentofMentisAssist,andservedontheboardinthoseearlyyears.DawnisaqualifiedGeneralandPsychiatricNurse,andhasaGraduateDiplomaofGerontology,andaDiplomaofAdvancedBusiness.

ila Howard – Deputy chairpersonIlaHowardhastertiaryqualificationsinWelfareandBusinessManagementandhasahistoryofworkinginthelocalcommunitywithfamiliesandcarers,specialisinginDementia,AgedCare,MentalHealthandIntellectualdisabilities.ShehasbeenaresidentonthePeninsulaforover20years.

clare lehane - treasurerClareLehaneisafinanceprofessionalwhohasworkedinrehabilitation,acuteandagedcareplusfamilyrelationshipservicesforthelast7years.Clareisacertifiedpractisingaccountant(CPA)withover21yearsfinancialaccountingexperienceinthenotforprofitandcommercialsectors,witharecentmovetoworkingforanotforprofitleisureassociationsupportingyachtingandtheprovisionofservicestodisadvantagedchildren.

elain bakker – secretaryElainBakkerhasalonginvolvementincommunityorganisations,communityhouses,communitytheatre,localdevelopmentassociations,memberofvariousstatelevelorganisations,theAustralianEducationUnion,Teachers,andtheRegistrationBoardandInstituteofTeaching.CurrentlySecretaryoftheAssociationofNeighbourhoodHousesandCentresAustralia,BoardmemberoftheCommunityHouseNetwork,SouthernRegionandMorningtonCommunityContactandCoordinatoratRyeBeachCommunityCentre.

tracey mayTraceyMayhasextensiveexperiencegainedinseveralseniorHRmanagementpositionswithinboththecorporate,professionalservices,notforprofitandmorerecentlyhealthsector.Herexperiencespansareassuchasorganisational/culturalchange,executivecoaching,recruitment,learninganddevelopment,strategicplanning,employeerelationsandgeneralistHRconsulting.TraceyisacharteredmemberoftheAustralianInstituteofHumanResources(AHRI)andamemberoftheMonashUniversityAlumniMBAstudentmentoringprogram.TraceyiscurrentlyHeadofHumanResources,Hospira.PreviousroleshaveincludedEGMPeopleandCulture,VictoriaRacingClubandHeadofPeople,KPMG.

MentIs AssIst BoArd of GovernAnCe

“This is the dawning of a new era and the Board is confident that Mentis Assist can look forward

to a very successful future.” (Chair,BoardofGovernance)


sue KavanaghSuehasreturnedtoresideonthePeninsulaafteralmost20yearsworkinginterstateandhasbeenaMentisAssistBoardmembersince2013.ShepossessesextensiveexperienceworkinginManagementpositionsintheareasofAgedCare,Disability,MentalHealthandHomelessness.Havingworkedinboththegovernmentandnotforprofitsectors,shehasathoroughunderstandingofthedemandsandaccountabilitiesofNGO`sincludingthediversefundingarrangements.Shealsohasextensiveexperienceincommunitydevelopment,facilitatingnewcommunitybasedsupportservicesintownsacrossthePilbarainWAaswellasinQld.HerlatestrolewasasCEOofcommunitybasedorganisationFootprintsinBrisbaneInc.

Warren cecilWarrenCecilhasawidespreadbackgroundinbusinesstobusinesssalesandmarketingwithintheevents,hospitalityandautomotiveindustries.Hehasanin-depthunderstandingoftheAustralianfundinglandscapewithextensiveexposurewithinthecorporate,notforprofitandpublicsectorsandakeenpassiontoassistthecommunitythroughgovernment,philanthropicandcorporatepartnershipopportunities.

Robin HulseRobinHulseisacommunityrepresentativeontheMentisAssistBoard.Robin’sexperienceisinadministration.SinceretiringRobinhasbeenactivelyinvolvedincommunityservicesandvolunteerwork.SheisanactivememberofvariousgroupsincludingMentisAssist’screativewritinggroup,WirlidaLadiesGroup,WomenLivingwithDepressionandtheArtsAccessGroupatCube37.

Kevin clarkeKevinhasextensiveexperienceincorporategovernanceandastrongknowledgeofthelocalcatchment.PreviousrolesincludeDirectorCorporateServiceswithFrankstonMorningtonPeninsulaMedicareLocalandanumberofDirectorCorporateServicesrolesinlocalgovernmentboth locallyandinterstate.Heispassionateaboutcorporategovernance,financeandriskmanagement.KevinisaCertifiedPracticingAccountantandalsoholdsaBachelorofBusiness(LocalGovernment).KevinhasbeenaresidentonthePeninsulaforover25years.

MentisAssistBoardofGovernance (Elain Bakker not present)

MentIs AssIst BoArd of GovernAnCe


OneofthemainreasonsIhavebeenatMentisAssistforelevenyears,isthatmyrole,theOrganisationandourcommunitymanagedmentalhealthfieldisforeverchangingandgrowing.Thishasbeenespeciallytruethisyear.

Withtheriseinnumbersofourclientspresentingwithcomplexandmultiplecareneeds,ourLeadershipTeaminresponsefacilitatedawiderangeofin-housetrainingi.e.orientation(newprogramguidelines),riskanddutyofcare,carecoordination,dualdiagnosisandrecovery-orientatedpractice.Cross-sectionalpartnershipshavebeendevelopedtoprovideexternalgroupsupervisionand/orconsultationthatfurthersupportsourpractitionersi.e.MonashDualDiagnosisServices,DualDiagnosisWorkingGroup,privatepsychologists(specialisingintraumaandpersonalitydisorders),FamilyViolenceWorkingGroupandlocalIndigenousservices.Thisyearwearedelightedthatsevenofourprogramstaffwereabletoattendinterstateconferences.

TheresearchtrailofourPersonalRecoveryOutcomeMeasurementTool(PROMT)wascompletedandevaluatedbyJaneHowardatFrankstonMorningtonMedicareLocal.Theevaluationfoundevidencetoshowthatthetooldoesindeedmeasurechangesinaperson’srecoveryjourney.JaneandIhadthepleasureofpresentingthefindingsofthereporttokeyexternalstakeholdersincludingDepartmentofHealthandVicserv.Oninvitation,JaneandIalsoprovidedanarticlewhichwaspublishedintheNewParadigm(Vicserv)earlierthisyear.WheretonowforPROMT?WiththeemploymentofournewResearchandServiceDevelopmentCoordinator,weareexploringoptionsforfurtherdevelopmentandfurthertrialsofthetool.Anyandallchangestothetoolwillincludeconsultationwithourclientsandcarerstoensurethetoolremainsrecovery-focusedandperson-centred.

ThiscomingyearwillseeMentisAssistreadyandeagertoembracethe‘newworld’.Althoughatthisstagewearenotfullysurehowthiswilllook,Iamalreadylookingforwardtowritingupnextyear’sannualreporttodocumentourjourney.

cindy Keys|DirectorofServices

DiRectoR of seRVices

OurprogramstaffhaveembracedandembeddedthenewservicedeliverymodelintotheirpracticeandtheMHCSSprogramhasbeenactivesinceAugust2014.

Theexecutiveteam,alongwiththeBoard,havebeenworkingdiscretelytore-brandtheOrganisationinordertobettershowcasewhoweare,nowandinthefuture.

Amajorrenovationandmake overoftheMorningtonofficewascompleted,allowingthe HACCandPartnersinRecoveryteamstomoveupstairs,withaseparateofficefortheprogrammanagers.Wearecurrentlyre-designingthereceptionareaoftheofficetoaddresssecurityconcernsandtocreateamorewelcomingspaceforourvisitors.ThefrontfaçadeofthebuildingnowhighlightsMentisAssistandhigh-lightswhatwedotothelocalcommunity.

WeareendeavouringtonavigatethestrangeandunknownworldoftheNationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme(NDIS)andtoexplorefuturemarketpossibilities.


TherehasbeenanumberofexcitingchangeswithintheCommunityServiceSectorwithallareasofserviceprovisionexperiencingtransformationinpreparationoftheNationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme(NDIS).

Inpreparationforthisandtocomplywithnewreportingrequirements,MentisAssist’scasemanagementsystemisbeingoverhauledtomeetgovernmentexpectationwithintheMentalHealthCommunitySupportServicesoutreachprogram.

TheMHCSSprogramprovidesmentalhealthoutreachsupporttopeoplelivingwithinourcommunity.Theaimistobuildresilience,socialconnectednessandbeabletomoveforwardintheirlives,followingtheirhopesanddreams.Thisprogramconsistofamultidisciplinaryteamofferingservicestoyouth,adults,carersandfamiliesandenablesustorespondbyprovidingsupportandreferralstootherservicestherebymeetingthespecificneeds/goalsidentifiedinaholisticmanner,drivenbyclients’IndividualRecoveryPlans.

MentisAssistisinvolvedinanumberofinitiativesworkinginpartnershipwithotherorganisations.WeareactivememberswiththePreventionofViolenceagainstWomenandtheirChildren,DualDiagnosis,youthspecificprojectsand,incollaboration,withSalvoCareEasternandRoyalDistrictNursing,weprovideaMentalHealthPractitionertoassertivelyengagewithpeoplelivinginaroominghouseinRosebud.

UnderthedirectionofCindyKeys,DirectorofServices,MentisAssistisproudtoincludeinitssuiteofservicesthePeerSupportprogram.ThisprogramisheadedbySherieStieflerasPeerServicesCoordinatorwhooverseestheprogramwithsupportfromPeerMentalHealthPractitioner,PeerCarerandFamilySupportPractitionersandvolunteerswhoallhavealivedexperience.WhatwastheMentisAssistArtRoomisnowcalledtheCommUnityroomandisusedasa‘meetingplace’opentoPeersthroughouttheregion.Anumberofgroupsarecurrentlybeingofferedwithmanymoreopportunitiespossibleinthefutureforfurthereducation,skilldevelopmentandadditionalsupportgroupsarebeingconsideredthroughouttheregion.

TheofficesatMorningtonhavebeenrefurbishedenablingthePartnersinRecoveryteamtobe relocatedfromRosebud.TheteamatMorningtonareveryexcitedwiththismoveandvaluetheopportunityofworkingcloserwiththeMentisAssistteam.TheMentalHealthHomelessnessteamisstilllocatedatPeninsulaHealthCommunityMentalHealthServicesinFrankstonandisconsidered‘oneofthecrew’asthey’vebeenabletoengageandprovideintensivesupporttosomeofourmostmarginalisedmembersofourcommunity.

sue caro |ServicesManager

servICes MAnAGer


LoGIstICs of reBrAndInG Extensiveonandofflineauditswereconductedtoensurethetransitiontothenewnameandidentitywascomplete.Allprintanddigitalcollateralwascompiledandsystematicallyupdatedtomeetfutureneeds.

Adetailedbrandstyleguidewasproducedtoensurebrandconsistency,whileanewwebsiteandrangeofbrochuresclearlyoutlinesMentisAssist’spurposeandrolewithinthecommunity.

commUnicAtions PlAn Acrucialelementtoanyrebrandiscommunicatingthechangetokeystakeholdersensuringthereisnoconfusion.Whilethebrandchanged,itwasimportanttocommunicatethattheservicesprovidedwouldremainunchanged.Acommunicationspackwasproducedforbothinternalandexternaluse,whileateasercampaignwasusedtoalertstaffandthementalhealthcommunityoftheimpendingchange.

lAUncH eVent Tocompletetherebrandingprocess,staff,clientsandindustryprofessionalswereinvitedtothelauncheventheldattheMunyungGallery,MountEliza.Thiseventgavethecommunityanopportunitytounderstandthechanges,askquestions,viewthenewwebsiteandnetworkwithotherprofessionals.

next stePs AsMentisAssistlookstogrowanddevelop,amarketingcommunicationplanwillbedevelopedtoensureweremainatfrontofmindwithcommunitypartners,clientsarekeptuptodatewithdevelopments,resourcesandusefulinformationismadeavailableandthatstaffcontinuetoengagewiththenewbrand.

ReseARcH Thefirststepoftherebrandjourneywastounderstandwhattheorganisationmeanttoclients,theirconnectionsandstaff.Todeterminethis,in-depthinterviewswereconductedwithkeystakeholderstounderstandwhatitwastheyvaluedmostabouttheorganisation.Thisprovidedaninsightintowhatisattheheartandthecoreemotionalconnectionwiththebrand.

BrAnd PosItIonInG Fromthispositionofclarity,abrandworkshopwasconductedwiththeleadershipteamtoclearlyarticulatethewhat,how,whyandwhoforofthebrand.

tHe nAMe GAMe Aswelooktowardsexpandinginthefuture,scalabilityandNDISreadinesswerecoreincreatinganewname.Withthisinmind,arangeofnamesthatmightsuitthebriefwerediscussed,withtheclearwinnerbeingMentisAssist.

WHY mentis Assist? MentiscomesfromtheLatintermcomposmentis.Composmeaning“having(commandof)”andmentis,meaning“mind”.Thetagline‘forbettermentalhealth’furthersupportsthemeaningbehindMentisAssist.

MentIs AssIst’s LoGo

There are a number of interpretations of the logo, including a group of people at various stages of their recovery starting with a darker blue, moving towards a lighter blue and finally green where they can grow. Some people also see smiles, while others see boomerangs.

bRAnD UPDAte


“Thefirststepoftherebrandjourneywastounderstandwhattheorganizationmeanttoclients,theirconnectionsandstaff.”

(CatherineStock-Haanstra-PIERMarketingDirector)

bRAnD UPDAte


client sUccess stoRY Greg* is a 35 year old male with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

AftermeetingGregforanInitialAssessmentinApril2015someofthequestionsGregrespondedtohadraisedconcernaroundhisunderstandingofhissituationandpresentingwithhavingissuesineverydaylifeskills.

Aftergainingconsent,theMentalHealthPractitionerwentaboutcontactingthereferralservicesandprimarysupports,suchashisfamily.ItwasidentifiedthatGreghadbeenaresidentwithEPARC(ExtendedPARC)inNarreWarrenbutcouldnotbeartobeapartfromhisfamily,solefttoliveinaBoardingHouseinFrankston.TheSeniorOccupationalTherapistatEPARCdidnotfeelthiswasanidealarrangementforGregduetohissupportneedsandvulnerability,alongwiththerisksoftenassociatedwithBoardingHouses;theseconcernswerealsoexpressedbyGreg’sfamily.TheMentalHealthPractitionerdevelopedacloseworkingrelationshipwithoneofGreg’sSister’sandwithGreg’spermission,addedherashisprimarysupport.

Gregidentifiedhisrecoverygoalsasaccommodation,lifeskills,healthandfitnessandemployment.TheMentalHealthPractitionerwasabletoliaisewithanOccupationalTherapistandManagerattheFrankstonCommunityCareUnit(CCU),andadvocateonbehalfofGregtoprovidehimwithatrialplacement.ThiswastoestablishifGregwouldfitintothedynamicsoftheenvironmentandmakesureitwaswhathewanted.Aftertwoweeks,andhavingshownhissuitabilityfortheprogram,Gregwasofferedtheopportunitytojointheprogramwhichheaccepted.

GregisnowapartoftheCommunityCareprogramandisattendingtheGym,hasanexerciseandnutritionplanandisbeingmanagedbyaGeneralPractitionerformedicalissueswhichishavingasignificantimprovementwithhisengagementinthisarea.GregnowengageswithmostgroupsattheCCUandlivesinaunitwith3otherindividualswhohesays“hegetsonwithverywellandisdevelopinggoodsocialrelationships”.GregisalsobeingsupportedtoachievehislongertermgoalofemploymentbyareferraltoE-PHAMsandtalksofgainingavocationalqualificationinHorticulture.

Greg’slastgoalistohavesupportinapplyingforaDisabilitySupportPension,includingassistancewithprovidingtherelevantsupportingdocumentation.Oncethisiscomplete,GregwouldthenbeplacedintothemonitoringphaseoftheMentisAssistprogram,priortotheExitProcedure,ashewouldthenhavethesupportoftheCommunityCareUnit.

TheCommunityCareUnitTeambelievesthatMentisAssist’scollaborativestrategiescontributedtothebestoutcomeforGreg.Greg’ssisteralsothanksMentisAssistfortheirsupportandproactiveattitudeinsupportingGregtoachievehisgoalsandthesignificantimprovementinallareasforherbrother.GregalsoexpressedhisdeepgratitudetoMentisAssistforitssupportandadvocacy.

(*nothisrealname)


YoUtH oUtReAcHThe Youth Outreach Team also fits under the umbrella of the MHCSS Team and works primarily with 16 – 25 year old clients.

HeADsPAceMentisAssistworkersarelinkedinwithHeadspaceFrankstonfromwhereweeklygroupsarefacilitated.

Onegroupprovidesyoungpeoplewiththeopportunitytoengageinavarietyofactivitiesbothlocallyandwithinthesurroundingareas.Theseactivitiescanrangefromthehighropescourse,cooking,minigolf,walkingintheDandenong’sandbeachdays.Thisisanongoing,opengroupandhasbetween4and10youngpeopleattendingeachweek.

AnewgroupcalledFutureWomenisrunincollaborationwiththeFrankstonCouncilYouthTeamandisaprogramforyoungwomenaged16-24.Theinauguraleightweekprogramsawfiveyoungwomencometogethertolookatareassuchasself-esteem,respectfulrelationships,angermanagementandself-careandisexpectedtocontinuetorunanumberoftimesthroughouttheyear.60%ofclientswhoattendedsaidtheyfoundthegrouptobeextremelyhelpfulandhadhelpedthemmakesomepositivechangesintheirlives.

YPARcMentisAssistMentalHealthPractitionerscontinuetoprovideagreatservice,togetherwithMindandPeninsulaHealth,withintheFrankstonYPARC,providinggroupwork,1:1andgenerallinkagestothecommunityandlocalsupports.Somefantasticoutcomeshavebeenachievedinthepastthreeyearswiththecollaborationofservicesandthehardworkanddedicationofallinvolvedwhichisplannedtocontinueintothefuture.

MornInGton YoutH Centre Thepast12monthshasseenthedevelopmentofaSteeringCommitteeforanewyouthcentreexpectedtoopeninSeptember2015inMornington.ThisisanexcitingdevelopmentwhichwillhelpprovidemoreaccessiblesupportforyoungpeopleintheMornington,MtMarthaandMtElizaareas.MentisAssistisoneofanumberoflocalserviceswhowillutilisethespacetorungroupactivitiesandprovidesupporttoyoungpeopleinthearea.

Client - Outreach Program

“You’ve done more than you know. Your inspirational, supportive and always there for me. Your my personal Angel.”

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you do for my family. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

ClientOutreachProgram

ClientOutreachProgram


Positive Outcomes

1. MentisAssistCarerProgramco-fundedanunder resourcedcarer,whoprovidestransportforhis family,withanewpairofspecialistprescription glasses,allowinghimtotransportthecare recipienttotheirregulardialysisappointments.

2. Emergencyaccommodationandfoodvoucherswere providedforacarerrecipientandfamilyoffouryoung childrenwhenevictedoverarentaldispute.Thecarer wasalsoprovidedwitharangeofcommunityhousing links,togetherwithsupporttonavigatethecrisis.

3. Carerandmentalhealthprogramsworkedtogether tolinkinanisolatedcarerrecipient.Casemanagement meetingswereorganisedwiththecarer,carerecipient andworkersfrombothprogramstodevelopa comprehensiveandcollaborativeplantodealwith adesperatelyunsustainablehousingarrangement.

4. Emotionalsupport,educationworkshops andreferralpathwayswereprovidedfor anindigenousfamilywithtwoadultcare recipientslivingathome.Supportandmental healtheducationwasalsoprovidedforthecarer duringherson’smajorpsychiatricrelapsecrisis.

5. Emotionalsupportandfoodvoucherswere providedforcarerandcarerecipientduring amajorpsychiatricrelapse.Theincreasedstress oftherelapsewasseriouslythreateningtheir relationshipandinturn,impactedtheirtwoadult childrenandrespectivepartners,oneofwhomhas asignificantintellectualdisabilityandresidedwith them.Thecarerprogramprovidedafewdaysrespite toEchucatoovercomethechallengingdynamics thathaddevelopedinthefamilyhome.Thisbroke thenegativecycleandallowedafarmorepositive familyculturetoreturntothehome.

6. Emotionalsupport,educationworkshopsand referralpathwayswereprovidedforanelderly carerwithmajorphysicalchallengestosupport herhusbandwithBipolarDisorder.Changesinher expectations,improvedcommunicationsskillsand thevalueofboundariesintheirrelationshiphave allcontributedtomakingtheirchallengingsituation moresustainable.

CArer And fAMILY suPPort ProGrAM TheCarerandFamilySupportProgramhassupportedover90Carersinthepast12months.Withanumberofchanges,bothinthesystemandtheteam,ourdedicatedteamofthreeworkers,througheducationandsupport,havesupportedthosewhoarecaringforpeopleinthecommunitywithamentalillness.

“This program has enabled me to increase my self-esteem by helping me to change my thinking and decrease my anxiety and accepting things instead of trying to change other’s behaviour.”

CarerandFamilySupportProgram

“Importance of networks, persistence, faith that things will work, importance of community”

CarerandFamilySupportProgram


HoMe And CoMMunItY CAre (HACC) ProGrAMTheHACCProgramhasseenanumberofchangesoverthepastyearinlinewiththereorganisationofMentisAssistasawhole.Newstaffmembershaveformedacohesiveteamcommittedtodeliveringapositive,stimulatingandinclusiveprogramtoourclientgroup.

“Thank you for allocating my carer support person. Her unfailing emotional support, understanding, empathy and good humour has been

amazing and has helped me stay sane for the past eight months.” CarerandFamilySupportProgram

PLAnned ACtIvItY GrouPs (PAG)TheHACCprogramcontinuestodeliverthreefulldayseachweekofplannedactivitygroupsadheringtotheActiveSer-viceModel;providingaqualityservicetoourmoreseniormembersinthecommunity.

TheOranaGroupoperatesinFrankstonNorth,WirildaMen’sgroupinMorningtonandtheWirildaLadiesgroupinDromana.Thesegroupsprovideanopportunityforparticipantstosocialisewithotherswhomayfacesimilarlifechallengesandtoremaininvolvedinthecommunity.Theoverallaimoftheseactivitygroupsistoaidourclientstoremainindependentintheircommunity.

Groupactivitiesinclude:• HealthEducation• ArtsandCrafts• CommunityEducation• LocalExcursions• Self-Care

suPPort resIdentIAL servICes (srs) GrouPsMentisAssistprovidessocialandrecreationgroupstotheresidentsofElizaParkandAcacia(Frankston)SupportedResidentialServices.Thesepeopleareoftenmarginalisedwithinthecommunityandtheaimofthesegroupsistoprovidecommunitylinkage,recreation,socialisationandmostofallfun!

HAcc Access AnD sUPPoRtThisprogramprovidesshorttermsupporttoHACCeligibleclients.Theseclientshavediverseneedsandmayhaveexperienceddifficultyaccessingservices.TheserviceprovidessupporttothosewhomaybeunsureofhowtocommunicatetheirneedsandhavelittleornoknowledgeoftheservicesavailableandmaybeunawareofthewaysHACCcanassistthemtoremainlivingindependently.

Themainspecialneedsgroupshavebeenidentifiedas:• AboriginalandTorresStraightIslanders• Peoplefromculturallyandlinguisticallydiverse backgrounds• Peoplelivinginremoteorisolatedareas• Financiallydisadvantaged• Peoplelivingwithdementia

“I have made wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime while being supported and a sense of belonging.”

HACCClient


Referrals to the following programs are made directly via the Intake Worker to Mentis Assist.

mentis Assist intAKe RefeRRAl PAtHWAYs

37% PIR

37% ICSP

6% BTC

4% HACC

15% CARER

1% VWA

LEGENDPIR Partners in Recovery

ICSP Individual Client Support Packages

BTC Breaking the Cycle Mental Health Homelessness Program

HACC Home and Community Care

Carer Carer Support Program

VWA Victorian WorkCover Authority

Partners in Recovery

Mental Health Homelessness

Program (Breaking the Cycle)

Carer Program

HACC Services

dIstrIButIon of referrALs 2014-2015

Thegraphbelowindicatesthedistributionof196referralsintotal

LeGend PIR PartnersinRecovery

ICSP IndividualClientSupportPackages

BTC BreakingtheCycle MentalHealthHomelessnessProgram

HACC HomeandCommunityCare

Carer CarerSupportProgram

VWA VictorianWorkCoverAuthority


BreAKInG tHe CYCLe

Reducing Homelessness Program

TheMentalHealthandLongTermHomelessnessprogramisapartnershipbetweenMentisAssist,PeninsulaHealthCommunityMentalHealthandSalvocareEastern.MentisAssistandPeninsulaHealthCommunityMentalHealthprovidesupportforpeoplewithamentalillnessandtheircarersintheFrankston-MorningtonPeninsulacatchment.SalvocareEasternisthekeyhousingandhomelessserviceproviderinthiscatchment.

Locally,atanyonetime,thisinitiativesupportsupto25peopleaged16+whohaveasevereandenduringmentalillnesswithahistoryoflongtermhomelessnessandfrequentpresentationtocrisis,healthandjusticeservices.Theprogramprovidesaseamlessintegratedsystemofsustained,intensiveandtherapeuticcasemanagementandcareco-ordinationtobreakthecycleofhomelessness.Theparticipantsoftheprogramarelikelytohaveexperiences ofseveretraumaandhavehighandcomplexcareneeds.

Referralscomefromarangeofsourcesincludingassertiveoutreach,PeninsulaHealth(mentalhealthanddrugandalcoholservices),RoyalDistrictNursingService,localShireRangers,Centrelink,Policeandotherlocalserviceproviders.TheprogramhasbeeninoperationsinceJune2013andisstaffedbythreetherapeuticcasemanagers,onefulltimeseniorclinician,aparttimehousingworker,anadministrativeassistantandateamleader.TheprogramoperatesfromthePeninsulaHealthCommunityMentalHealthsiteinFrankston.

Intotal,42participantshavebeenprovidedwithaservicesincetheprogrambeganin2013.TypicallywhentheHomelessprogramstafffirstmeetclients,theymaybesleepingrough,couchsurfingorlivinginroominghousesorothertypesofinappropriateaccommodation.Theprogrammakeseveryefforttofindappropriatehousingassoonaspossibleandconsidershousingasafundamentalpartoftreatment.Manyoftheclientshaveexperiencedcomplexandseveretraumaandcanbefearfulofclinicalmentalhealthandothertreatmentproviders.

Theprogramworkshardtoestablishrapportwithclientstoassistwithdemystifyingandcreatingaccesstovitalhealthandcommunityservices.Theflexibilityandintensityoftheservicedeliveryiskeytoengagingandworkingwiththemostmarginalisedinthecommunity.Withouttheabilitytoprovideassertiveoutreach,workattheclientspaceandbeabletoincreaseordecreasesupportasneededbytheclient,manyofourclientswouldfallthroughthegaps.


The following piece written by a participant in the program explains the work of the participants and staff in the program.

Paul’s story – “My Recovery from Schitzophrenia”

“Hey im Paul, an artist, photographer & recovered schitzophrenic. life started out pretty normal for me, a good home, 10 years of football, average school marks & a couple of girlfriends. i got into band photography, then got introduced to painting a couple of years later by my artist friend dave. you can put more heart into a painting, while taking a photo you are always the passive observer. by 21, i'd also started taking drugs such as weed, mushrooms and dmt. i wanted to paint my visions that i couldnt photograph. i figured that i was being smart by being a natural drug user, avoiding all those man made chemicals that sent so many people off the rails. but as it happens, i got my first signs of schitzophrenia after i began smoking weed every day. it started with hardly any symptoms at all and gradually got worse. i went travelling to canada & america. in canada i had a large dose of mushrooms and went to lie down so i could handle it better, going into a waking dream state. i met the elephant god ganesha, and had a lesson on breathing. then i travelled to california and met a native american shaman living on the beach at monterey, he made his living collecting semi precious stones off the beach and turning them into wire-wrap necklaces. i left monterey and went to portland, on chance meeting a white witch, giving me a thorough introduction to magic.

i came home and my travel stories seemed a bit weird to my parents. one night i saw a ufo and met some light beings in another waking dream, i asked them to show me a past life & i was shown edgar poe's life, in a series of little movies. i looked up his biography the next day, and it all lined up perfectly. i was 100% sure it was all true, and i was like a prophet in training to tell the world about reincarnation. at this point, i was still half sane, with a few delusions of granduer. People about this ill can escape treatment, because it is only when a delusion becomes a disability do people get help. i had a fight with my family, they had called me a schitzophrenic, while i argued that they just were not enlightened. i left home and moved into a tent on the beach in rosebud. i enjoyed my homeless stint, calling it an extended holiday. i collected shells and smoked a bunch of weed.

after about 6 months, my attempts at writing had turned into crazed ramblings, and i began playing games in my head. i had given up visiting friends, or making any art. i completely isolated myself and felt like the buddha meditating under a tree. i created a world inside my head, i didnt think i was sick at all, just enlightened. i even knew the repitiles conspiracy was bullshit, thats how sane i thought i was. then i started putting on headphones and imagining that i could project music out of the sphinx in egypt, with people and the military gathering around wondering how this was happening. i did this every day for a month or two. then i thought, where's the only place people havnt looked for the holy grail? inside one's head. i began practicing rituals in my head, after reading one of buddha's prophices, i began to think i was once him too, and merlin and jim morrison, mr mojo rising.


I thought i was perfectly sane and an amazing psychic, but then came the day centrelink cut me off and i couldnt pay my rent at the camp ground. i didnt know what to do so i just sat there and meditated. the cops turned up a week after i hadnt payed rent and i just sat there meditating, i prayed for them to leave, and while i sat there motionless, everything around me moved in fast forward. the cops came back a second time, this time with the cat team. i was wrestled into the ambulance because i wouldnt break my meditation and talk. they strapped me to a bed and i begged for no medication.

in the ward, doctor nikki, who had a golden aura, diagnosed me a schitzophrenic. i didnt beleive her, she wasnt enlightened. i spat out my meds every time they gave them to me, and remained unwell. after a month with no change, they decided to needle me. now ive gotta say enforced needles on a cto is a horrific experience, a bit rapey feeling. if i was sane enough to trust doctors, the pills would of been a lot more pleasant. they put me on paliperidone, and it knocked me senseless. i dribbled and wanted to sleep all the time, but it wasnt untill the all destroying 150 dose that i began having my first waking moments of clarity. none of it was real. this hurt alot, i fell mentally from king of the world to piece of shit, getting a post psychosis depression.

after 6 months of lowering the dose of paliperidone, they finally let me take pills. the first thing i did was not take them, as all i wanted was for the horrible paliperidone to wear off. i hoped that now i was snapped out of it, i would be fine and not need lifelong medication. i lasted about 2 months, and the needle meds wore off. then all the voices and delusions came crawling back. i noticed how my mind would think about the delusions, not on command, but relentlessly & out of my control. i finally conceded that i needed the medication to stay sane. they put me on abilify, with a quarter the side effects of paliperidone.

Doctor lee kept lowering the dose, as i was still getting bad side effects on 10mg of abilify. it took a year of doctors and meds, but i was sane and normal feeling, with only a few negative symptoms such as a lack of volition and motivation to deal with. my case worker barb had gotten me a place in frankston, and helped out heaps during the worst of the mental rehabilition. i’ve gotten back into painting and photography reconnected with all my true friends, though there a still a few i’ve gotta send the ‘sorry i went crazy message’ to.

im no longer spiritual at all, i just dont wanna go near something that borders the realms of delusion so closely. as amazing as some of my experiences were, i have trouble saying which were credible and what was just my mind playing tricks.

“I’ve still got a way to go, but im feeling independant, and look forward to the day when i wont need clinical support or other services.

Paul – Reducing Homeless Program


“Recovery is important because a person is not their illness and diagnosis is not the end of the story”

Haveyoueverseenasportspersonsurroundedbytheirteamofcoaches,assistants,physiotherapistsandspecialists?Oracelebritywiththeirmanager,publicist,stylist,personaltrainerandnutritionist?Whogatheredthesespecialiststobepartoftheirsupportteam?

GatheringtherightsupportteamiswhatPIRdoes,exceptthatour‘celebrities’arepeoplelivingwithenduringmentalillness,withcomplexneeds.Ourgoalisnotpublicitybutrecovery,toseeourclientsgettingthemostoutoflife.

FrankstonMorningtonPeninsulaPartnersinRecoverycoordinatescareandservices,workingwithpeoplelivingwithenduringmentalillnessandtheircarersandfamily,helpingthembuildthenecessaryteamtoassistintheirrecovery.PIRisafreeservice-anotherdifferencebetweenusandcelebritymanagement.(IllawarraShoalhaven,2015)

PartnersinRecoveryoperatesunderarecoveryframework,usingapersonalisedapproachtailoredtoaddressanindividual’sspecificsupportrequirements.PIRhelpsindividualstomaximisetheircapabilitiesandempowerthemtomanageongoingissues.

TheprogramhasbeenoperatingsinceDecember2013andhasprovidedaserviceto111participantsintotal.With65activeclientscurrently,our6SupportFacilitatorsarecommittedtoprovidinglinkagetosupportservicesinourlocalcatchmentarea.Typically,ourreferralscomefromCommunityInformationandSupportcentres,PeninsulaHealth,GP’s,DrugandAlcoholsupportservices,CrisisAccommodationorganisations,RDNS,FamilyServicesandallareasofDepartmentofHumanServices.

OurPrivateRentalBrokerageCoordinatorworkscloselywithourSupportFacilitators,assessingindividualstoentertheprivaterentalmarket.ThroughbringinginexternalsupportssuchasfinancialcounsellingandCentrelink,alongwiththeuseofourflexiblebrokerage,wehavesuccessfullyhoused7clientsinongoingsustainableprivaterentals.Withoutthiscrucialfinancialincentive,ourclientswouldnothavebeenabletosuccessfullymeettheirfinancialobligations.Giventhetighttimelinesandfinancialconstraintsourclientsface,PartnersInRecoveryPrivateRentalBrokerageProgramoffersastableplatformtobuildon,providinginterimcarepackagesoftea,coffee,milk,personalcareitemsandfreshfruit/veg,allowingclientstofocusonbuildingtheirfinancialandemotionalsecurity.

PArtners In reCoverY (PIr)


BelowisanexampleofCareCo-ordinationandhowservicelinkageworkstosupportindividuals.

BRIAN

PhysicalHealth

General Prac��oner+

Diabetes Educator+

Podiatrist

Centerlink DPSBenefitsMoney

PhysicalHealth

Money Benefits

Pain Management

Mental Health/ Safety

Financial Counselling /

Budget

General Prac��oner

Medical Review

FoodRela�onship

Meals on Wheels

MatchmakerSubscrip�on

Outreach Referral

Social Engagement

/ADL’S

Bayview House Recovery Clinician

Psychologist+

Case Study

*Briancametoourservicealmostimmediatelyafterbeingdischargedfromanacutewardasaresultofapsychoticepisodeduetomedicationmisuse.Hisdiagnosisisparanoidschizophreniaanddoesgetaggressiveandviolentwhenhebecomesunwellduetoparanoiaandaudioandvisualhallucinations.

Briancametoourservicealreadyhavingadesignatedcarer/friend.Brianwashavingissuesdealingwithhismentalhealthservicesandworkers.NeedswereidentifiedaroundHealth,self-esteemandmeaningfuluseoftime.

PIRstartedbyassistingwithmediationwiththementalHealthservicesandhelpededucatehisclientandcareraroundbetterstrategieswhendealingwithclinicalservices.Thisassistedwithbuildingbetterrelationshipsandthereforeabetterserviceprovisionwasachieved.

ReferraltoRDNSwasfacilitatedtoengageandaddressBrian’shealthneeds.HewasalsoreferredtothePersonalHelpersandMentorsProgramforhismentalhealthrecoverygoals.

Asaresultofthecarecoordination,BrianhasnowbeenexitedbyPIRandwillalsobedischargedbyRDNSasheisnowengagedwiththerelevantservicestomeethisneedswithinthecommunity.

Brian’sIndependenceandself-esteemhasgrowntoapointwherehenowfeelsheisabletonavigatehisresponsibilitiesandcommitmentsinlifehimself.*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual


PArtICIPAnts AdvIsorY GrouP (PAG)“PAG aims to promote a confident voice for all participants. It will provide a forum for discussion in a safe environment with freedom to express opinions and ideas in order to make recommendations for the good of all.”

TheParticipantsAdvisoryGroup(PAG)hashadanothereventfulyear;welcomingsomenewmembers,aswellassayinggoodbyetosomeofitsexistingmembers.

AspartofMentisAssist’songoingQualityManagementSystem,PAGreviewedanumberoforganisationalformsandpolicies,including:

• CarerandClientfeedbackForm

• GrievanceProcedureFlowchart

• MentalHealthAct2014

• SmokingPolicy

• CulturalDiversityPolicy

• ClientRightsPolicy

• PAGTermsofReference

PAGmembersattendedtwocoursesthroughouttheyear;GroupFacilitationforPeerWorkersandMentalHealthFirstAid.GroupFacilitationforPeerWorkersprovidedaninsightintohowtofacilitategroups,listeningskillsandhowtodealwithdifferentsituationsthatmayarise,thereforecreatingmoreconfidencewhenrunninggroups.

TheMentalHealthFirstAidcourseprovidedinformationandsupportindealingwithsituationswhereapersonmaybestrugglingwiththeirmentalhealth.ItprovidedinformationonarangeofdifferentMentalillnessesanddifferentwaysinwhichyoucouldpossiblyassistsomeone.

TheChristmasCopingSkillsworkshop,runbyPAGwasheldagainduetoitssuccessinpastyears,MentisAssistplanstocontinuetoholdthiseventeachyear.Theworkshopisdesignedtoassistclientsbydiscussingstrategiesinagroupforumonhowtocopewiththeemotionsofthefestiveseason.

PAGwasinvolvedindiscussionswiththerebrandingofPeninsulaSupportServicesandinvitedtobeapartofaphotoshootwhichwouldprovidematerialtobeusedinfuturemarketingcampaignsforMentisAssist.Aspartoftherebranding,PAGwasalsoinvolvedinaworkshoptodiscussrebranding,providingafurtheropportunityformemberstobeinvolvedinthedecisionmakingprocess.

“When a group of likeminded and dedicated people join together for the good of all……. amazing things can be accomplished.”

(PAGMember)


finAnce RePoRt

ThefinancialstatementsforMentisAssistLtdfortheyearended30June2015havebeenauditedbyShepardWebsterandO’NeillPtyLtdandfoundtobetrueandfairandinaccordancewiththerelevantlawsandaccountingstandards.

Asapubliclyfundednotforprofitorganisationitisimperativethatourfinancesarewellmanaged,withanemphasisonensuringweachievebestvalueformoneyindeliveringhighqualityservices.Thisisachievedthroughtheestablishmentofastrongfinan-cialreportingandgovernanceframeworkandeffectivefinanceandadministrationpoliciesandprocedures.

Ourresultsfor2014-15showedahealthysurplusof$93,721,allowingusthecapacitytofurtherdevelopourprogramsandsup-portinginfrastructuretotakeadvantageofopportunitiesaswemovetowardsanewfundingenvironmentwiththeintroductionoftheNDIS.Projectsforthecomingyearincludeassessingourphone,accountingandpayrollsystemstoensuretheymeettheorganisation’sfutureneeds.

In2014-15weembarkedonmajorupgradestoourbuildingsecurityandcapacityduetoasuccessfultargetedgrantapplicationfromtheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesandrenovationstotheCommUnityRoomlocatedat19YuillesRoad,toallowitsuseasaPeerHubandmeetingspace.

Financial Performance for the year ended 30th June 2015.

sUmmARY income stAtement 2015 2014total income $4,052,200 $3,955,977

total expenses ($3,958,479) ($3,795,696)

surplus $93,721 $160,281

extRAct of bAlAnce sHeet 2015 2014 total Assets $3,003,750 $3,167,058

total Liabilities $1,792,473 $2,049,502

net Assets $1,211,277 $1,117,556


sUPPoRteRs

ThispastyearMentisAssistwasprivilegedtoreceivethesupportofourcommunityininfluencingthelivesofallthoseassociatedwithouragency-eveninthefaceofanuncertaineconomicenvironmentourpartnersremainedsteadfastwiththeirgenerosity.

TheircommitmenttoMentisAssistprovidesimmediateandsignificantimpactandenablesourpatronstocontinuetobenefitfromourprograms.

Together-becauseoftheirgenerosityandsupport-weareabletokeepourpromisetopeoplelivingwith,oraffectedbymentalhealthissues,enjoyingafullandindependentlife.

Mentis Assist recognises and thanks:

• BoardofGovernance

• CommonwealthCarerRespiteCentre-Southern MetroRegion(CCRC-SMR)

• DepartmentofHealth

• DepartmentofHumanServices-Centerlink

• DepartmentofHumanServices-OfficeofHousing

• DepartmentofSocialServices

• FMPAboriginalActionGroup

• FMPPrimaryCarePartnership(FMPPCP)

• FMPPeninsulaModelExecutiveGroup(PMEG)

• FrankstonCityCouncil

• Youth&FamilyService

• Headspace

• HousingChoices

• KFConsulting

• MonashHealth

• MorningtonPeninsulaShire

• PeninsulaCarerCouncil

• PeninsulaHealth

• PeninsulaModelAlliances

• VICSERV

• Volunteers

• WayssLtd

• SouthEasternMelbournePrimaryHealth Network

• MIFellowship

• MindAustralia

• SouthernPeninsulaCommunityCareCentre

• SouthernPeninsulaCommunitySupport& InformationCentre(Rosebud&Mornington)

• SalvoCareEastern


• MorningtonPeninsulaShire

• PeninsulaCarerCouncil

• PeninsulaHealth

• PeninsulaModelAlliances

• VICSERV

• Volunteers

• WayssLtd

• SouthEasternMelbournePrimaryHealth Network

• MIFellowship

• MindAustralia

• SouthernPeninsulaCommunityCareCentre

• SouthernPeninsulaCommunitySupport& InformationCentre(Rosebud&Mornington)

• SalvoCareEastern

ANNUAL REPORT 201523-25 Yuilles Road, Mornington Victoria 3931

t 1300 MENTIS (1300 636 847) f 03 5970 5055

info@men�sassist.org.au | www.men�sassist.org.au

Documents

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - Mentis Assist...9 Mentis Assist - Annual Report 2015 Optimum personal recovery and wellbeing. To provide opportunity for people living with mental illness and/or