Grand Pacific Health (GPH) staff Cate Johnston, Jenny Valdiva, Michelle Gee and Jayne Bradley with MP Kristy McBain, Jo Telenta from COORDINARE, Leteisha Driscoll from Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres, and Rhonda Simpson from GPH. Photo: Supplied.
A service dedicated to supporting teenagers and adults with a mental health condition has expanded into southern NSW.
MyRecovery is a free program delivered by Grand Pacific Health (GPH) in partnership with Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres (SFMC).
The program is also supported by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.
COORDINARE CEO Prudence Buist said the program was developed after a comprehensive review of the complex mental health services commissioned by COORDINARE.
“MyRecovery has been designed to provide people with more equitable, coordinated, and personalised support across the region,” she said.
“Services are now available in more locations, at no cost to consumers, and delivered under a recovery-oriented philosophy.
“Importantly, the program includes outreach to smaller communities and telehealth to improve access.
“All individuals in the program will have access to both clinical and peer support.”
The service is open to those aged 12 years or older.
CEO of GPH Adam Phillips said it offered a variety of support services.
“MyRecovery provides access to mental health clinicians, mental health nurses and peer workers to help you on your recovery journey,” he said.
It offers tailored support for young people (specifically those aged 12 to 25 years), older people (65 years and older) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The program’s website states that a regular GP is needed (and it can help participants find one).
MyRecovery is available to communities across southern NSW. Photo: Prostock-studio.
Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres’ Greg Davis welcomed its launch in the region.
“[We are] delighted to be working in partnership with Grand Pacific Health to ensure our combined support can be as coordinated and personalised as possible.”
MyRecovery offers a broad range of supports, including clinical care coordination, psychological therapies, peer support and education, physical health support, psychiatry support, care transitions and integration and telehealth appointments.
Ms Buist said people who previously received support through Integrated Recovery Services (IRS) or Rural Outreach Mental Health Service (ROMHS) were now supported through MyRecovery (or another service that best meets their needs).
This initiative is supported by funding from COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain said the program would help people across the region.
“This new program is good news for those living with ongoing or complex mental health challenges, as it provides a range of supports designed to work together,” she said.
Its website states that MyRecovery is delivered across much of south-eastern NSW, including locations at Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley.
There are also outreach and telehealth options available.
Referral to MyRecovery can be made through the Medicare Mental Health phone line on 1800 595 212. Self-referrals are welcome.
Further information is available on Grand Pacific Health’s website.
