Service user is now helping others with mental health and substance abuse issues
A Mackay resident with mental health and substance abuse issues, who is on the road to recovery, is now helping others in similar situations.
The client contacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Mackay Male Mental Health Worker (MMHW) Andrew Doyle by self-referral because he knew him.
The mental health program is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) within the Social Emotional Wellbeing model of care at ATSICHS Mackay.
The service user already trusted Mr Doyle, so felt comfortable to come in on their own accord knowing that he needed support.
“The client had mental health issues and a long run in with substance abuse,” Mr Doyle said.
“The client wanted to seek help with their mental health issues and had three sessions with me about their mental health.
“I supported the client with strategies and tips on how to deal with their mental health.
“In the third session, the client asked me if there was any opportunity to go to rehabilitation to address their substance abuse.
“I immediately asked the client if it was OK to bring in Suzie Penny, the Alcohol and Other Drugs’ counsellor, the client accepted and as a team we worked together to get client into rehabilitation.
“The client got into rehabilitation and stayed for the duration of the program.
“The client has recently re-entered the community and is doing deadly, has a stable job and income, has stayed clean and sober, has more contact with their children in a positive way and came back to the MMHW and AOD counsellors’ office to thank them, which was very rewarding for the workers.
“The client is now at a stage where they can support others that are going through a similar situation.”
The low intensity mental health program is for First Nations clients over 14 years of age within the Social Emotional Wellbeing model of care at ATSICHS Mackay.
The program provides evidence-based culturally appropriate mental health services for at-risk clients and their families affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug misuse, and parenting related stressors and trauma.
The program observes the cultural protocol of “men’s and women’s’ business”. This enables the mental health team to work with clients in cultural association and open on topics associated with mental health issues.
The program uses connection to culture strategies to improve outcomes for clients that have been previously disconnected from family and community.
The Mental Health program can provide a pathway, resources, and interactions with members of the ATSICHS community to increase cultural connection.
Mental Health Counsellors work holistically and directly one-on-one with clients to provide culturally appropriate case management, care coordination, mentoring, including choice and control by clients in their individual area of need.
Clients are comprehensively assessed to target mental health supports required, and initiate referrals for clients with moderate to complex mental health care and treatment needs.