Greater support for people with mental illness

As one of the Partners in Recovery working closely with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Medicare Local, Care Connect will support people with severe and persistent mental illness – those most at risk of falling through the cracks.

Care Connect will recruit four dedicated staff, based in Wollongong and Shoalhaven, who will work with people at risk to link them with the services and support they need.

Care Connect is a leading 'in home' care provider in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, supporting people to live independent lives at home and in the community. Care Connect provides information, advice and guidance to assist people navigate and access support services they need to live the life they want. Staff specialise in coordinating services with people of all ages and abilities including older adults and carers.  

“Partners in Recovery provides critical support for people experiencing long term mental health challenges who have complex needs,” says Paul Ostrowski, Care Connect chief executive.

“These people may be experiencing homelessness, or facing a range of barriers to seeking support. Partners in Recovery focuses on empowering people experiencing mental health difficulties, their support networks, and their families, to overcome these barriers to accessing services.”

Care Connect has begun recruiting four Support Facilitators – two will be based in a new Wollongong office, and two will work remotely in Shoalhaven. Support facilitators will become the central contact for each of their clients, supporting them to develop an action plan, and to better engage with a range of services and supports in the community.

Partners in Recovery brings together multiple sectors, services and supports to work in a more collaborative, coordinated and integrated way.

In addition to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Medicare Local tender, Care Connect is a member of 10 Partners in Recovery organisations in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and works directly with individuals, their families and carers in a further four regions across these states.