What is the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program?
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program aims to provide increased opportunities for recovery for people who have a severe functional limitation resulting from a severe mental illness by helping them to overcome social isolation and increasing their connections to the community. It forms part of the Commonwealth's component of the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 - 2011.
Responsibility for the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program rests with the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Why is this Program important?
Mental illness is one the nation's most serious health challenges and one that affects many Australians every day, either personally, or through a loved one.
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program takes a strengths-based, recovery approach to supporting people whose lives are affected by severe mental illness.
A strengths-based approach focuses on a person's strengths rather than deficits. A recovery approach recognises that a person can live a satisfying and contributing life within the limitations caused by the illness. Recovery does not mean cure.
Who will benefit?
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program was developed to support those most in need. It assists people aged 16 years and over who are unable to manage their daily activities (such as self-care, household responsibilities, managing their finances) or live independently in the community (ie. have unstable accommodation, are unable to use public transport, or are unable to engage in social activities) because of the severe impact mental illness has on their lives.
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What will Personal Helpers and Mentors Program deliver?
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program focuses on providing support to people who have a severe functional limitation resulting from a severe mental illness at various stages in their recovery.
The program supports people in different ways including:
- helping people to better manage their daily activities like housekeeping, shopping budgeting and using public transport;
- working with people to reconnect to their community;
- helping people get relationships with family and friends back on track;
- accessing appropriate clinical support;
- providing direct and personalised assistance through outreach services; and
- helping people connect with other services or programs that can help like drug and alcohol, housing or medical support.
How does it work?
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program is delivered by non-government organisations that are experienced in achieving outcomes for people with mental illness, on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Each funded organisation employs the equivalent of five fulltime Personal Helpers and Mentors.
What funding is attached to this program?
A total of $284.8 million in funding has been allocated over five years to 2011 for 900 Full-Time Equivalent Personal Helpers and Mentors to support people affected by severe mental illness.
The funding is being implemented in four stages:
- 2006-07 – 140 FTE Personal Helpers and Mentors;
- 2007-08 – 240 FTE Personal Helpers and Mentors;
- 2008-09 – 400 FTE Personal Helpers and Mentors;
- 2009-10 – 120 FTE Personal Helpers and Mentors.
When did the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program start?
Funding for design and implementation of the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program commenced from 1 July 2006. Delivery of on the ground services commenced from May 2007.
How is the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program progressing?
The first round of 28 Personal Helpers and Mentors sites commenced delivery of the program from May 2007.
An additional 48 sites were announced in September 2007.
The third round of funding will occur in 2008 to fund an additional 80 sites.
Further information
Further information can be obtained from the FaHCSIA website at www.fahcsia.gov.au/mentalhealth.
Page currency, Latest update: 22 May, 2008