Overview
Our mental health rehabilitation and recovery service is designed for people (aged 16 years and over) with a moderate to severe and persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.
The aims of mental health rehabilitation are to promote recovery and reduce the impacts (for example social isolation, loss of employment, relationship problems or relapse) that may accompany a mental illness. In this way, mental health rehabilitation is similar to rehabilitation for a physical condition.
How can I get assistance?
Entry to Bridges rehabilitation service is via referral from a service provider or you can self refer. Please phone us on 4154 2300 if you require assistance with this process.
All new clients are first given a tour of our facility. This tour aims to provide a brief overview of our programs and the benefits they can provide to you. If you wish, you are welcome to bring a family member or friend with you.
What happens at the centre?
Before you commence your rehabilitation at Bridges, we will undertake a comprehensive assessment to gather a range of information that will assist in determining the level and type of treatment and support you require.
All consumers complete an Individual Recovery Plan to clarify the goals they wish to achieve and the steps required to make those goals happen. Goals typically relate to employment, education, managing your mental illness, relationships and other lifestyle issues.
The rehabilitation process involves you working alongside our trained staff and other consumers to achieve the goals that you have set for yourself. We recognise the episodic nature of mental illness and our open door approach allows you to progress at your own pace and in your own way.
Bridges offers two levels of rehabilitation/recovery:
- Our rehabilitation and recovery service operates five days a week and requires a minimum attendance of two days (or eight hours) per week. You must agree to participate in at least one of the structured work units. Trained staff also provide counselling, advocacy and individualised support to aid your recovery.
- Our social recreation program is available from 1 – 4 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, one Saturday each month and a barbecue every 2nd Friday of the month. Consumers who attend the social recreation program can also gain access to counselling and advocacy by appointment.
Structured Work Units
We have three work units that you may choose to participate in:
- Business Unit – includes reception, preparation of our monthly newsletter and administration work
- Catering Unit – includes menu planning, shopping, preparation of healthy meals and serving in our cafe
- Gardening and Maintenance Unit – includes general gardening and maintenance duties and caring for our vegetable patch
Other Supports
Our trained staff can provide:
- Psychological Interventions such as psycho-education (including motivational interviewing), cognitive-behavioural therapy (including behavioural interventions and cognitive interventions), relaxation strategies, skills training (including problem solving, anger management, social skills, communication, stress and parenting) and interpersonal therapy
- Crisis intervention and advocacy to help manage housing, legal, financial, health, employment and education needs
- Daily living skills to reduce social isolation, develop new skills or relearn old skills and targeted activities to improve your mental and physical health and enhance your participation in the community
- Social and recreation activities including art, craft and sporting activities and weekend camps
- A healthy lifestyle program to help optimise health, fitness and wellbeing on a sustainable long-term basis
- Education and training to enhance opportunities for active workforce participation
All mental health rehabilitation services are free for clients.
Take a virtual tour of our facility or contact us to make a time to visit personally