
Authors: Wayne Palmer, QLD
Year: 2004
Event: 2004 TheMHS Conference
Subject: Accommodation Programs
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
ISBN: 0975765302
Abstract: The Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland operates the only lifestyle and transitional supported accommodation service in North Queensland, providing individuals with serious and chronic mental illness with opportunities for recovery and life satisfaction. The program is based on non-clinical counselling, family support, linking to services, education, art and employment programs in the community. The program provides an exit point for hospital and rehabilitation services and supports transition into the community through our holistic strengths based approach. The support occurs alongside the tenants, identifying goals and strategies in a partnership which may include community mental health case manager, support services, family members and friends. Support and contact is continued into independent living accommodation before tapering off. With limited vacancies and resources available, selection is based on whose needs are best met. The program has demonstrated since 1989, through regular evaluation, reduction of hospitalization, relapse, trauma and great improvement in achievement of personal, clinical, non-clinical goals and quality of life for individuals. Key factors in the program’s success are the shared visions of recovery, focus on people’s strengths rather than deficits, staff attitudes and a commitment to successful outcomes over extended timeframes.
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