Partners in Recovery discussions with consumers and carers

What was the project about?

We facilitated a series of consultation sessions to ascertain service needs of mental health consumers and carers involved in the Partners in Recovery Program. We were also keen to find out their level of interest in engaging with the program as members of reference groups.

Who did we partner with?

Northern Melbourne Medicare Local 

How did we go about it?

We facilitated three group discussions using a services map diagram where participants could identify service usage and service gaps. The sessions also included time for reflection about the participants’ experiences of care and their preferences regarding continued engagement with the program as members of a reference group.

What was achieved?

A report outlining our recommendations for the program was developed for Northern Melbourne Medicare Local. We also provided a consumer-friendly summary report which was distributed by the Northern Melbourne Medicare Local to all participants.

Feedback from Kieran Halloran, program manager:

“It is great it see that you have captured very accurately the discussions that were held on the days.” [via email]

 “the [discussion] groups gave important insights into the challenges and perspectives of how carers and consumers experience the current system. It was also reassuring to hear many of the participants speak very positively about the recent constructive impact of PIR on their lives’. (August 2014 newsletter)

When did we do the project?

June to September 2014

For more information

Contact Tere Dawson