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Writing a resume and applying for rental properties often marks the start of a new chapter, but for some people, these milestones hold even more meaning.
A collaborative support service is making it easier for locals to transition after receiving help in the region’s acute mental health facilities.
Darling Downs Health’s Director of Allied Health Mental Health Marea Webb said it’s important for the support to continue, even after someone leaves the building.
“It can seem quite daunting for people, which is why we want to provide the support needed to work toward their goals and continue along their recovery journey,” Ms Webb said.
The Hospital to Home (H2H) Program is an initiative by Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ) in partnership with Momentum Mental Health, Queensland Health and Darling Downs Health.
From 1 July 2021 to 31 May 2022, more than 400 local clients participated in the program across Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Goondiwindi, Dalby, Tara and Chinchilla.
RFQ Darling Downs Area Manager Laura Lattanzio said the home-based recovery support service makes a big difference to our communities.
“We had a client who was referred to the Hospital to Home program in January, with the goal of managing his mental health and gaining employment,” Ms Lattanzio said.
“We supported him in creating a resume on Seek and attending interviews, which landed him a job at a local farm.”
“It’s really encouraging to hear about positive outcomes like this, as well as the many others across the Darling Downs.”
Momentum Mental Health CEO Debbie Bailey said the success of the program is also a testament to the strong relationships between stakeholders.
“This really is a community approach, as we all work together to deliver the best results possible,” Ms Bailey said.
“It’s just fantastic to know that people can access this support and start reaching their goals, while also improving their wellbeing.”