Newcastle Herald

Support helps Rebecca find her feet and get back to living

Image: Shutterstock
Image: Shutterstock

This article is sponsored by Hunter Primary Care.

Since 2012 Rebecca* had been living with multiple mental health conditions that had left her isolated and feeling hopeless, her self-esteem and confidence shattered.

The creative young adult had suffered multiple childhood traumas, a cancer diagnosis, bullying and neglect and was overwhelmed by the problems facing her.

'My mental health problems really knocked me down and I struggled for years on my own to get back up again," said Rebecca. "I was a shell of a person."

But these days the Newcastle woman is back on her feet and thriving after receiving the support she needed to help her recover, and take steps to rebuild her life.

She's now studying at TAFE, with the goal of working in mental health support, and is also the passionate founder of a community art project she hopes will help others deal with their own mental health challenges.

One of the key support services for Rebecca helping her take those steps and mentoring her along her journey has been the Hunter Psychosocial Support Service (HPSS).

Launched in March last year by local not-for-profit organisation Hunter Primary Care, and funded under the Australian Government's Primary Health Network (PHN) initiative, HPSS aims to help people with severe mental illness, who have reduced psychosocial function and are not eligible for NDIS assistance, to build living skills and connect with the right services based on their goals.

Psychosocial support approaches recognise the relationship between mental wellbeing and other social factors that impact a person. These could be in areas such as social skills and friendships, managing daily living needs, family connections, physical wellbeing, financial management and budgeting, maintaining a home, managing drug and alcohol issues, or vocational skills and education.

Under the HPSS program, participants work with a Skills Facilitator to identify their goals and put together an action plan and they then work with a Mentor who provides one-on-one support to guide them in achieving their goals. This occurs over a period of six to nine months.

Rebecca said the HPSS had been invaluable. "It's supported me to create the life I want and not one centred around my mental illness, a life of opportunity and achievement," she said.

"Doors have opened to opportunities I didn't even know possible and I've been supported and encouraged to keep moving forward and build my life."

Support helps Rebecca find her feet and get back to living
Support helps Rebecca find her feet and get back to living

HPSS is a unique service that provides psychosocial support for people who have severe mental illness, said Hunter Primary Care's Senior Manager, Mental Health Care Coordination, Lisa Craven.

"There are people who might not meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS for various reasons but still experience periods of reduced psychosocial functioning and need support to build functional capacity and help them in their personal recovery.

"This program assists people who may have otherwise fallen through the gaps and helps them to move forward and start to realise their dreams."

HPSS Team Leader Melissa Rae said the practical and personally-tailored nature of the support is the defining feature which has made a big differences in people's lives.

"Many people come to us and just don't even know where to start to move forward," she said.

"With HPSS they can start determining what they want to achieve in their life and with the support of their Skills Facilitator they can implement the strategies to get there. We've had so many success stories - it's very rewarding to see those outcomes."

For Rebecca, the HPSS team's expertise even helped her successfully apply for a grant to further support her burgeoning art venture - affirmations painted on rocks. Inspired by a touching act of kindness - a note left on her car with the words, 'You are loved', she began creating the rock affirmations and distributing them to community facilities.

With the help of psychologists and mental health clinicians, she has developed more than 60 unique affirmations.

She plans to use the grant to continue to make and donate the rocks as well as start mindful painting groups to help other people create their own affirmations.

"I wanted to create something unique, positive and resilient that could stand the test of time and tears."

*Name has been changed for privacy.

To find out more about the Hunter Psychosocial Support Service head online to www.hunterprimarycare.com.au or call (02) 4925 2259.

This article is sponsored by Hunter Primary Care.