Mental Health Wellbeing and Recovery

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC)
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) promotes self-help approaches to recovery from severe alcohol and drug related issues.

Centre for Mental Health Learning (CMHL)
The Centre for Mental Health Learning (CMHL) is the central agency for public mental health workforce development in Victoria.

IMHA- Independent Mental Health Advocacy

Mental Health Act Information

DNW Poster

Eastern Health Mental Health Services aim to treat people as a individuals and we support people in mastering their personal recovery. We work under the National Recovery Framework

All of our mental health staff are trained in the Collaborative Recovery Model (CRM). They offer skills and tools to support people along their recovery journey.

Our in-patient staff are trained in using the Safewards model to build rapport and connection, resulting in better experiences of care. We acknowledge the important role of carers, families and significant others. Our staff include carers in Recovery planning, where appropriate.

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What does recovery mean?

Recovery is a journey or process about building networks, gaining hope, being empowered and finding meaning.” -Townsend, Boyd & Griffin (1999)

Recovery and resilience is about the whole of your life, not just your symptoms.

Recovery is about:

finding hope, being OK with yourself
being able to bounce back when things get tough
finding purpose and meaning in your life
connecting with friends
building links to people in your community
getting back to things that are important to you

Recovery means different things to different people.

Your recovery will be led by you with the support from your mental health team. We will work together in developing your recovery plan.

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What is a recovery plan?

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” -Arthur Ashe (American tennis player)

A mental health recovery plan is designed by you to map out:

The life you want to lead
How you can get there
How to work through challenges
Who can help you

For example, you might decide you want to live on your own, find a part-time job, or re-connect with your family. Together with your supports, you can work out the next steps.

Our Mental Health Program staff at Eastern health are all trained in the Collaborative Recovery Model which aims to support people with developing their own recovery plan.

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How long does recovery take?

“Recovery is a self–directed process of reclaiming meaning and purpose in life. It is a process marked by human resilience in the face of adversity.” -Patricia Deegan

Eastern Health Mental Health Service offers support for people when they are finding it challenging to manage their own safety and/or the safety of those around them.

Our goal is to ensure everyone in our care is supported in achieving their personal recovery goals no matter the nature of their mental health experience. This can take some time and is different for everyone and having your own recovery plan can help.

Our staff can connect you with other supports and services to suit your needs. Finding a good GP to help you manage your health is important.

Our mental Health staff can also help you to re-connect with family and friends and link in with your community.

The Consumer and Carer Register is an avenue where people with lived experience of mental ill health and carers may use their experiences to help others by participating in focus groups or projects within the mental health program.