Jump Start Your Life

Aims of Program: Jump Start Your Life To provide a social opportunity for HACC eligible clients whom are financially disadvantaged and are in recovery on their mental health journey. The program aims to: to build on the confidence, self-esteem and capacity of clients To increase the social connectedness of the clients To deliver this program in a fun, safe and engaging space.

How it came about: The financially disadvantaged group was identified as a special needs group in the HACC diversity plan. It was identified that there was a gap in the opportunities that this target group could afford and/or be supported to participate in. Clients that have mental health issues often have multiple barriers and levels of disadvantage that restrict their ability to attend social events and places of interest that are within their means and that could assist them to meet others and build on their skills and capacity to support their mental health recovery.

Who was involved: City of Casey: funding for resources and staffing on the program ERMHA (Eastern Region Mental Health Agency): screened clients whom were in recovery Outdoor Connections: facilitated the program/activities Clients: 9 participants whom lived in rooming houses or SRSs and were identified as being in recovery on their mental health journey

Program: Jump Start Your Life Five sessions to build relationships between clients and agencies – worked on communication; team building; group norms etc Group named the program :Jump Start your Life Group identified activities they felt they would like to participate in Retreat held over 3 days (2 nights) at the Gilwell Park Scout Camp in Gembrook.

Key processes that made it work Forming a partnership – assisted in identifying the right fit of clients for the program, and assisted to provide the skilled staffing. Consulting the clients – in relation to their journey of recovery and would they felt would assist them, and having the flexibility to build the program around this. 5 preliminary sessions to the retreat – build on the clients’ skills, confidence, trust and team building.

Key outcomes from the project: Highlighted the benefits of Partnerships Increased the trust and rapport between this client cohort and council. Built on the recovery of the clients – one person is now in employment; and another one has found housing after an increase in the openness to receive assistance from services/supports

In order to build on the success of the program we are: Looking at replicating the program, using the same framework and targetting the same client cohort, but recruiting new participants.