Enhancing Community Participation for Consumers of a Mental Health Service through Partnerships

Lau G¹*, Holley S¹* and Mowat P¹*

1. Princess Alexandra Hospital Health Service District, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Whilst providing specialist clinical services and promoting recovery for people with mental illness, the MIST team aims to develop partnerships that work with marginalised people in areas of rapid urban renewal affected by drug and alcohol, housing and support issues. The MIST service is active in developing and supporting the local community in understanding the many facets of mental illness and appropriate responses to challenging behaviours. This includes working with the local Traders Association in presenting information on illness, treatment and human rights responses, working with the local Community House in delivering mental health information and support component in their community engagement activities.

The role of parenting can be challenging. For many parents the process of engaging with other parents in the community for support and shared experiences is crucial in surviving the demands of parenthood, but for people effected by mental illness this can be difficult. Social isolation, financial hardship, and for some individuals impaired social skills and low self esteem are barriers to accessing this type of support. The MIST team has established a supportive playgroup for people with serious mental illness, by engaging community partners in meeting this unmet need.

For many people with mental illness, work and socially valued roles are an important aspect for recovery and rehabilitation. The MIST Service has combined the application of recovery oriented practices, utilisation of clinical tools such as neuropsychological assessments and partnerships with disability employment agencies to promote opportunity and access to work, study or training for over one third of their consumers.

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