What is the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program?

The Personal Helpers & Mentors program is a key part of the Australian Governments Mental Health package which was announce in the 2006 budget, and is part of the Council of Australian Governments National Action Plan on mental health.

The Personal Helpers and Mentors program is a new program that supports people whose lives are severely affected by mental illness.

The program is ‘strengths’ and ‘recovery’ based and focuses on what people with mental illness can do, rather than what they can’t do. It also demonstrates that people with a mental illness can lead a fulfilled life in the community with the same opportunities as other people.

What are Personal Helpers & Mentors?

People who access the program will work with their own Personal Helper and Mentor who will support them in their recovery journey.

Personal Helpers and Mentors have a range of qualifications, skills and experience to support you in your recovery journey. Our team is made up of people who understand mental illness and the needs and expectations of people with mental illness. At MIFSA we take a team approach where you and your Personal Helper and Mentor will work together to make things happen and to get the outcomes you want.

Your Personal Helper and Mentor will work with you to explore opportunities, supports and services to reconnect with and to develop effective strategies to achieve your goals. 

How can a Personal Helper and Mentor support me?

A Personal Helper and Mentor can support you in many different ways, including working with you to learn to better manage everyday tasks such as housekeeping, managing finances and learning how to use public transport, to accessing appropriate clinical support services or connecting you with other services or programs that could also support you on your recovery journey.

How do I access the Personal Helpers and Mentors program?

There are numerous entry pathways for you to access the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program. First and foremost you must be living with a mental illness: a formal diagnosis is not required to enter the program.

Entry may be via referral from a family member, friend, counsellor, care worker, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, GP or by self referral.

Where are the Personal Helper and Mentor teams’ located?

The Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia currently have PHaM’s teams operating in the Western and Southern areas of Adelaide with Uniting Care Wesley operating in the Marion area, Anglicare in the Elizabeth area and Rural services accessing the mid-north are governed by Red Cross Port Pirie. Participants accessing the program are placed in the area appropriate to their residential postcode.

Am I eligible?

If you are aged 16 years and over and are living with a mental illness you may be eligible for the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program. You do not need a formal medical diagnosis of a mental illness to initially join the program however if you decide to join the program your personal helper and mentor will help you get the medical and other health support that you need to manage your illness effectively.

How Do I join the program?

Contact: Fiona Johnson, Western PHaM’s team leader on 8221 5160.

Contact: Emilie Gagnon-Milot, Outer Southern PHaM's team leader on 8326 7889

You will be asked some questions to see whether you are eligible for the program and then a Personal Helper and Mentor will be assigned to assist you on your recovery journey.