Personal Helpers & Mentors Program

General information

The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program at Macarthur Disability Services supports people whose lives are severely affected by mental illness.

The Program focuses on the individuals’ strengths and what they can do, rather than what they can’t do.

PHaMs focuses on recovery, demonstrating that people with mental illness can lead a fulfilled life in the community with the same opportunities as other people.

People who join the program will work with their own Personal Helper and Mentor who will support and assist them along their recovery journey.

PHaMs assists people who are 16 years or over and whose ability to manage their daily activities and to live independently in the community is impacted as a result of a severe mental illness.

No formal mental illness diagnosis is required to initially join PHaMs.

The PHaMs Program can be accessed by completing of a referral form - either by you, a family member, professional or other support service.

There is no cost to participate in the PHaMs Program, which is offered from Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm.

How can PHaMs at MDS support you?

A Personal Helper and Mentor will support you in your recovery journey, building long term relationships and providing holistic support.

A Personal Helper and Mentor will:

• Work with you in the development of an Individual Recovery Plan that focuses on your goals, your recovery journey and improving your quality of life.
• Help you to better manage your daily activities and reconnect with the community.
• Provide referrals and connect you with other services like clinical, medical, drug and/or alcohol counselling, employment, education, social or community activities or groups.
• Working with you to learn how to better manage everyday tasks such as budgeting skills, maintaining a home and getting to places using public transport.
• Improve and develop your personal skills and confidence.
• Offer you the support of a Peer Support Worker.
• Work with you at your pace.

The PHaMs Program was developed from the feedback obtained through consultations held across Australia.

These consultations included people living with mental illness, their carers, clinical experts, mental health groups and community organisations.

People involved in these consultations included people with mental illness, families and carers groups, clinical experts, mental health groups and organisations that provide services and support to people with mental illness.

Key values around what a mental health service should involve have been identified through these consultations: 

• Mutual Respect and compassion
• Empowerment
• Strong relationships and trust
• Commitment
• Flexibility
• Collaboration
• Involvement

The MDS Services PHaMs Program embraces these values and our workers strive to implement them at all times.

For further information about this Program contact the Coordinator, Personal Helpers and Mentors on 02 4621 8400.