Sharing the journey of recovery since 1992...leisure pursuits – which often include first time...

ANNUAL

REPORT

2017-18

Sharing the journey of recovery since 1992

- Contents - - President’s Report -

The Board of Management is an important governance requirement for any organisation. Its key responsibilities include ensuring the organisation remains viable (financially), maintains an awareness of key risks with suitable mitigation strategies including policies & procedures, and continually reviews its longer term strategic planning. The CEO and staff manage the operational aspects (day-day). This creates a critical interface between Board and CEO, ensuring effective planning and policy implementation which support staff to do what they do best. To provide high level of service for our consumers and carers. I am very pleased to report, again, that Pathways SW maintains a high standard of governance supporting a high standard of care and support through the continued efforts of staff and volunteers.

As is usual in mental health, there have been many challenges. Some of the greatest challenges involve understanding changing government requirements in mental health policy and the associated funding obligations. To better understand this environment, the Board had a facilitated workshop – on the changing face of the sector. This workshop was very useful informing Members and guiding our subsequent discussions and actions to ensure the organisation’s sustainability. These actions included a review of the Strategic Plan, endorsement of the Business Plan and continued oversight of the Risk Management and Compliance obligations.

During the year we have also assessed the needs of an effective Board including a skills matrix, which helps us identify recruitment criteria and training needs for Board members.

This year we were delighted to have the support of the Rotary Club of Bunbury Leschenault, who allocated the proceeds from their Op Shop Ball

fundraising event towards Mental Health services in the region. We have put that donation towards youth support in the Bunbury area.

During the year we farewelled Vanessa Lewis and noted the resignation of Maria Fitzgerald. Thank you to both for their many years of service to Pathways. I have greatly appreciated their advice and experience and they have made a significant contribution as board members to the success of Pathways SW.

We welcome two new Board Members; Deanne Fleay, who provides expertise with her training background and Lyn Bluett with her expertise in Corporate and Human Resource management. I also wish to acknowledge the support of our past Patron, former parliamentarian and Speaker, Barry House. Barry retired from parliament during the year.

Lastly I would like to thank the management and staff of Pathways for their dedicated work in what is a very difficult area. The challenges remain and unfortunately this is unlikely to change. I commend Richard and his team in the way they continue to manage the day to day activity of Pathways SW.

Ian TelferPresident of the Board of Management

President’s Report .................................................................................. 3

Chief Executive Officer’s Report ........................................................... 4

Governance, Vision and Values .............................................................. 5

Group Programmes ........................................................................... 6-10

A Taste of Life ...................................................................................... 6

Drumbeat ............................................................................................ 7

Thommos Community Garden Program ............................................ 8

Swim and Gym .................................................................................... 8

Shifting Gears ................................................................................... 10

Carer Programme ................................................................................ 11

Carers’ Testimonials ............................................................................. 12

Carers Week 2017 ............................................................................... 13

Housing and Business ......................................................................... 14

Housing Testimonial ............................................................................. 15

Busselton Recovery Support Services ................................................ 16

Staff Development ............................................................................... 16

Psychoeducation Programs ................................................................ 17

Mental Health Week 2017 ................................................................... 18

Memorial Tributes ................................................................................ 19

Audit Statement ................................................................................... 20

Art Gallery ............................................................................................ 22

Thank You to Partners and Donors ..................................................... 23

Annual Report 2017/18

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- Chief Executive Officer’s Report - - Governance -

Our BoardMr Ian Telfer (President)

Ms Posy Barnes (Vice President)

Ms Maria Fitzgerald (Secretary)

Ms Cheryl Stiles (Treasurer)

Dr Andy Harkin

Ms Sharon Senikarawa

Ms Deanne Fleay

Ms Lynette Bluett

Our ValuesHope: Belief in the potential of individuals with mental illness to live life to the full.

Courage: Ensuring that mental health is seen.

Respect: Acknowledging that the opinions of others have value.

Humility: Willingness to appreciate others.

Responsibility: That everyone is responsible to commit to action towards our purpose.

These values underpin all of our practice, including: sustainability, building capacity, making a difference through leadership in the community by developing and strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances where the consumer and carer voice is heard and valued. Our partnerships are based upon mutual outcomes and respect.

Our 4 Strategic Objectives

• Unique defining brand• Collaboration and Partnerships• Integrated Service Model• Governance

I am delighted to say that Pathways SouthWest has continued to provide specialist mental health support services during its 26th year. We continue to negotiate our way through difficult times where mental health services search for their place within the National Disability Insurance national rollout, whilst still maintaining essential services for those affected by mental illness, who may or may not become part of the NDIS. The place of mental health continues to be uncertain in a climate that raises questions about crucial resourcing for this extreme area of need.

This year we have again done well in our recruiting, following the farewell of a number of key staff.

This year we lost Kevin Cornwall, Rebecca Randolph and Ricky Feather. We also started planning for the retirement of Pat Fahey. In replacement we were very lucky to recruit Jenni Cornish as Manager Business Improvement, with her great skills from TAFE in business management. We also gained highly skilled workers in Robyn Norton and Wendy Oliver plus Leona Neacy and Kerry Starnes. In addition we have many volunteers and have provided numerous student placements during the year.

Under the support and supervision of Steve Blackwell, the staff continue to provide dedicated and professional work with all our consumers and carers. Thank you to all of you.

We have continued to develop our flexible services. Family Connections programmes have been delivered to carers. A new COPE programme has been developed and its first stage delivered. Consumer programmes have been reviewed and restructured to increase effectiveness.

All staff and Management have contributed to the new Strategic and Business Plans, which assist in guiding the organisation – through the leadership of the board and Ian Telfer – our President. So thank you too to the Board for their guidance.

Whilst we have achieved positively all the compliance requirements, we have also begun preparation for two quality assurance process against national standards – Mental Health and Disability Services.

It has been a good year though, as always in mental health, a difficult one. Thank you to all our consumers, carers staff and Board for being part of this journey.

Dr Richard OadesChief Executive OfficerPathways Southwest

Our VisionLet mental health be seen, as any door is the correct door

for access and client centred care.


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- Group Programmes -- Group Programmes -

A Taste of Life is an activity designed by consumers for consumers. Commencing in 2016, this has been a very successful programme. Twice a month (on a Wednesday), we offer our consumers an outing – selected from a variety of venues and places of interest within our community and surrounding areas. We encourage consumers to suggest places that they would like to visit, taking into consideration the distance, cost and ease of access. The places that they suggest help to determine our destination for each outing. We hope that these outings will produce positive outcomes for consumers. So that they may become so interested by the experience that they might independently return to the location and assist in their lifestyle of choice. So the intent of these outings is to promote inclusion, friendship, self-confidence, plus physical, mental health and general wellbeing. Our focus is to encourage participation in community events and leisure pursuits – which often include first time experiences and educational opportunities.

Often we have a full bus- a 12-seater bus purchased with funding from Lotterywest- with everyone travelling together on the outings is an

improved group experience during each outing. Popularity of the differing outings has also meant that on a couple of occasions this year we have also needed to take cars as well as the bus to fit everyone!

Some of the varied activities we have done during 2017 and 2018 have been visits to Busselton, Balingup, Harvey and Donnybrook; art activities in the open air at Thommo’s Garden, Op Shop excursions, paddling with the dolphins at Koombana Bay, Big Swamp information visit and walk with Friends of Big Swamp and a favourite was the visit and pot luck lunch with the lovely people at Origins in Balingup.

A Taste of Life by Kerry

During May – July 2018, Pathways Southwest delivered the Holyoake DRUMBEAT program. The Djembe drums for this program were kindly loaned to us by South West Womens Health and Information Centre in Bunbury.

Holyoake’s DRUMBEAT Program does not require any musical skills or knowledge and is an evidence-based social and emotional learning program, proven to build resilience and showing measurable changes in social behaviour, emotional control, improved relationships and increased self-esteem. Each session centres on relationship themes including identity, teamwork, communication, peer pressure, values and managing emotions. DRUMBEAT is an acronym for Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes and Thoughts. The program utilises group discussions around analogies between music and relationships, as well as drawing on participants’ own life experiences.

At its core, DRUMBEAT focusses on social connection – the importance of healthy relationships in sustaining happy and productive lives. This message aligns perfectly with the philosophy behind the Pathways modus operandi – aiming to increase independence by increasing connection and inter-dependence thereby reducing social isolation.

DRUMBEAT comprises 5 Core Elements being ‘Core Rhythms’, ‘Discussion & Story Telling’, ‘Games’, ‘Improvisation’ and ‘Performance’. It promotes the importance of teamwork and the contribution of each individual to the team. It is structured to cultivate key components of teamwork (such as trust, mutual respect, support, co-operation & reciprocity, awareness of others, the value of relationships, etc.) to improve life skills and build emotional intelligence in participants.

Perhaps the most important message of all is that each of us is stronger when we connect with others and work together – that is, when we are in harmony!

Ten consumers enrolled for the course. Seven participants finished the course with a certificate of participation of the DRUMBEAT Personal

Development Program.The course ran for 10 weeks and used djembe drums as a recovery tool. We started by learning basic tones, the heartbeat and the core rhythms of the “Listening Song”, The “Respect Song” and the “Tolerance song.” Each week we learnt new skills and explored key area’s such as rhythms of life, relationships, harmony, identity and community, emotions and feelings and teamwork. At the end of the course, we gave a drumming performance to Pathways staff and some invited guests

At the start of the course consumers reported high anxiety, not knowing what exactly to expect, not sure how this course could actually assist in their recovery. By session three participants reported having lots of fun and understanding the concept of DRUMBEAT. By the end of the course participants provided feedback stating they learnt skills assisting them in their recovery, they would have liked to continue with the course and/or would like a follow up or continue with a more advanced course.

It was an absolute delight to facilitate this program together with co-facilitator Renae Brown (Support Worker (aMaze) / Counsellor of Bunbury Counselling.

The group bonded over the 10 sessions and formed friendships with each other that continued after the course. During the holiday break, halfway through the course, we added two extra sessions and created our own drums from recycled plastic bottles.

DRUMBEAT Programby Nellie


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- Group Programmes -- Group Programmes -

Pathways offers a Swim and Gym consumer group each Thursday at a reduced cost at a local sport centre; this allows consumers to partake in an exercise program that will aid in their recovery. Some may struggle finding motivation due to anxiety or a number of other reasons, or staying motivated for exercise. Pathways swim and gym group allows consumers to attend their session within a group setting. Pathways offers transport to aid in the motivation to attend and reduce the anxiety of presenting on your own and this has been beneficial to the consumers. On an average, the weekly group consists of an average of five (5) that attend the Gym and an average of five (5) that attend the pools within the Pathways group session time. Some benefits from the group meeting are consumers are socialising together and support each other.The consumers are accessing the gym with other people accessing the gym (not Pathways consumers) which supports them to re connect back into the community and normalising their lives. The consumers have their own fitness plan developed with a personal trainer, which allows them to work on their own personal fitness goals.

Swim & Gym - a Case Studyby Wendy

Case study A young man aged 25 years of age has been struggling with his mental health and finding it difficult to establish a recovery plan due to isolation and little supports. The consumer has been working with Pathways since the referral to Pathways Southwest in 2015. The consumer had a history of mental health; he had been attempting to work on his recovery, and was requiring support in areas of his life.Issues: Housing: The consumer had been residing at a caravan park with no supports or transport and was isolated.Physical Health: The consumer had no opportunity to address any physical issues and his personal wellbeing and goals due to isolation and lack of transportMental Health: The consumer had not been able to keep regular appointments regarding his mental health issues due to his location and lack of transportEmployment: The consumer had difficulty seeking support to obtain employment Self-esteem and confidence: The consumer struggled with his self-esteem and confidences he was struggling in these areas due to his past and views on his self. ActionsHousing: The consumer was offered pathways accommodation centrally located, and support to develop a recovery plan and achieve his goalsPhysical health: The consumer is now accessing the medical services, and self-care activities the client was supported and introduced to Pathways Southwest’s Swim and Gym group and had intermittently attended Gym as set out in his personal goals. Mental health: The consumer was able to attend his mental health appointments and seek further support for his independent recovery Employment: The consumer was able to access an employment agency to assist with employment opportunities Self-esteem and confidences: The consumer was supported to developed a recovery plan and set goals, the consumer was able to address some issues and meet goals, which supported his building his confidence

Outcomes:Housing: The consumer has settled well into his safe, secure and affordable accommodation. The consumer and is now able to address other issues in his life and recovery plan.Physical Health: The consumer is able to attend health appointments and access and attend the gym, as set out in his plan. The consumer has built the confidences in attending Gym. The consumer now has become a member of the sport centre and accessed a few times a week on his own and still attends the pathways group time on Thursdays to keep linked in with people.Mental Health: The consumer is accessing mental health services and working on his individual recovery and achieving his goalsEmployment: The consumer is now working with an employment agency and is now ready to look at his options for employment. Self-esteem and confidences: The consumer has gained confidences and presents with the belief in himself and resilience for the future. The consumer at the beginning of his journey wanted to access the Gym and achieve his personal goals but due to his isolated location and supports was not able too.The consumer has been stable for approx. 6 months now, in this time has been able to develop a recovery plan, and has developed his confidences in many areas. The consumer has moved forward in the area of self-care and physical health goals and has gone from intermittently accessing the gym to becoming a member and accessing a few times a week on his own. This alone is a great result for anyone, and for this young man it is a major achievement. Exercise is great for your physical health as well as your mental health.Exercise stimulates chemicals that improve your mood and works with the parts of your brain that is responsible for memory and leaning.Some benefits of exercise are, it aids in the reduction and risk of illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, lung disease and further medical ailments Exercise is great for weight loss if that is what you want to achieve as well as self-esteem and self-confidence.

Pathways SouthWest Gardening Group continues to run weekly on Tuesdays, providing the opportunity to explore a beautiful community garden space. With access to basic kitchen facilities, light refreshments are well enjoyed whilst connecting with others, building social networks, reducing isolation and loneliness.

Attendance is regular by a few keen and dedicated participants, who are involved in all facets of the vegetable garden maintenance, planting rotations and sharing of produce. The continued focus of providing a ‘garden to plate’ experience within Pathways social group Shifting Gears on Fridays, guides planting rotations and produce selections.

Various educational opportunities arise encouraging discussion on topics such as the benefits of seasonal produce, food and purchasing choices, household budgeting and small space gardening.

The presence of chickens and neighbouring horses are also a draw card, providing an opportunity for those brave enough to share a carrot or 2! Many childhood animal stories and experiences are shared, creating a sense of connection and a welcomed time of reflection.

Pathways SouthWest remains a well-represented and respected community organisation within Thommo’s Community Garden, with representation now also held on the Committee. Strong and respectful working relationships with the committee and its volunteers remains essential to ensure the longevity of such a well-appreciated program.

Thommo’s Community Garden Program by Robyn


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- Group Programmes -

Shifting Gears is a social group that takes place every Friday for Pathways SouthWest consumers.

Attendance has risen in the past year and we now average about 35 attendees every week. Although there is a large social aspect to the group, it is also a good base from which to provide recovery tools and education. Until recently, the group had taken place at Morrissey Homestead Picton, however, due to renovations there, we had a move this year to Morrissey Leschenault.

The new venue offers a nice outdoor area with grass to sit and chat on and a large verandah to use whatever the weather. There is also a larger commercial kitchen, which is fantastic as clients are encouraged to take part in the lunch preparations and develop kitchen and cooking skills as part of the group.

The pool table has been well utilised and is proving to be a popular activity as is Bingo, quoits and other games. There is also a Wii set up in the TV room, which gets good use!

This year there has been some art activities such as painting and sculpture leading to the Art Exhibition at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery for Mental Health Week 2018. Some beautiful works have been created.

It has been exciting to see how well the new venue has been received and we look forward to going back to Picton to be a bit closer to town.

We are all excited to see the community that has development within the participants of the Shifting Gears group.

Shifting Gears

- Carer Programme -

A carer is someone who is unpaid and helps to support a family member or friend who needs assistance. It can be difficult for some carers to identify with the role, because they generally would not use the term “Carer” to describe the things they do for their loved one. This however, means that many individuals in our community, care for a loved one completely ignorant of the importance of their role, or its negative impact on their OWN physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Carers come from all walks of life - all cultures and all religions. Carers may be spouses, parents, grandparents, sons or daughters, siblings, friends, nieces, nephews or neighbours. They come in all shapes and sizes, and a range of ages. Some carers are not yet into their teens, whilst others are well into their twilight years. Some are ‘full-time’ carers while others balance both a job and caring responsibilities. Some may live with the person they care for, some live close by, and some care from a distance. Pathways Family and Carer Program continues to provide support for carers in the South West and Great Southern who have a loved one with a mental health issue.

Katanning / Kojonup

Lea (Pathways Support Worker - Family and Carer Program) continues to visits Katanning once a month for 2 days to support carers in the region. She now provides services out of the new consulting rooms at the Katanning Health campus. Regular meetings with local service providers including the mental health team and GPs has enabled her to enhance our services in the area and provided opportunities for new referrals. Individual counselling sessions and regular Share ‘n Care Evening group continue to provide well received support to carers of the region. Our special thanks to Katanning Mental Health Services for their continued support of the services we offer.

APU Carer’s programme

Our profile at the APU continues to improve with us placing our advertising banner in the foyer. Staff continue to implement new initiatives to increase access for carers to engage in our programmes including:

• Carer Engagement Cards.

• Regular education sessions with APU staff, and

• Carer Support Worker to visit the APU.

Carer Programme


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- Carers’ Testimonials -

My husband had been diagnosed with Psychotic depression and I was struggling to cope. Thankfully, a friend encouraged me to seek help and I remembered the contact details I had been given by a Mental Health Nurse. I made the call, and it was the best decision I could have made. I was put in touch with Lea McDonald from Pathways Southwest, who was visiting Katanning/Kojonup that very day. I was able to meet face to face with Lea for counselling and support.

Living in a country area makes it more difficult to access support, so the service that Pathways Southwest provides through Lea visiting Katanning/Kojonup on a monthly basis, has been a blessing to me. But the support didn’t end there. When we moved towns and it wasn’t possible to get to Katanning/Kojonup, I was able to book Skype sessions with Lea. I have valued how Lea listens and provides practical advice that helps me care for myself and in turn support my husband”.

I found out about PathWays through a friend of mine who had used the service when caring for her daughter. I found myself in a position where I was the carer of a close family member who was suffering from mental illness. For many years, I had been trying to cope alone with the stresses of being a carer and I felt desperate and that I had nowhere to turn. When I came to Pathways, I was under the impression that I may receive some support or guidance with my role as a carer but I was unsure as to what to expect.

I met with Steve who was very welcoming and understanding. He put me in contact with Lea, who became my counsellor over the next few months. I did not expect the ongoing and incredibly valuable support that I have received. Through working with Lea, I have become far more confident with dealing with not only the family member, but life in general. She has equipped me with many coping tools and a greater understanding of both myself and the family member. Lea has provided me with a number of relevant handouts explaining the various pathways and options available for people with mental illness. She has also lent me books to help me grow as a person.

Pathways is now providing support for the family member too, who has been allocated a support recovery worker. This has relieved me of some of the stress and responsibility in caring for her. I believe that the relationship is very positive and the help has been appreciated by the client. This was one of the many initiatives of Lea.

By caring for myself, I know that I am more able to give better quality care to my loved ones. Pathways have really made me realise that the carer matters as much as the client. Thank you for all you have done for me – totally invaluable!

- Carers’ Week, 2017 -

We were fortunate enough to receive a grant of $550 from Carers’ WA and Lotterywest towards Carers’ Week activities.

Carers enjoyed several activities including:

• Aromatherapy for Wellness – Participants made some DIY products to take home which included an Essential Oil Perfume, Pillow Spray and a Luxurious Face Serum.

• Make your own “Carers’ Emergency Survival Kit” – Carers had fun making a survival kit and the room was covered in glitter residue for weeks. We were able to run a group in Collie as well as Bunbury.

• Pilates

A fun time was had by all … and everyone was delighted with their take home gifts.

Carers’ Weekby Jenny


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- Housing and Business Support -

I wanted to thank you and put in writing our appreciation of what Pathways SouthWest has meant to B and the whole family. I think it is coming up to three years since B was offered independent accommodation through your organisation in a unit in Withers. B has a severe mental illness and is on the disability pension. He would never be able to afford or maintain private rental housing without the support of your organisation. You may not be aware that as well as supporting B we have shared in the upbringing of our granddaughter for the past five years (she is now 11) and she lives with us 50% of the time. So it has meant that as well as helping B you have helped us provide her with a stable and peaceful home life. This would have been very difficult if B had still been living at home. While he is a wonderful man he can be disruptive when he is not well.

B was really enjoying living in the unit until he started being harassed by a group of youths who were visitors of other tenants. As you know these youths damaged his car, broke into his unit, stole from him and threatened and harassed him on a number of occasions, to the point where he no longer felt safe living at that address. He moved back with us for six weeks, only staying overnight once or twice a week at his own address and never leaving his vehicle there.

I know that you contacted the Department of Housing on our behalf on more than one occasion to see what could be done about the ongoing behaviour of these youths. In February you advised that the back fence was being replaced to prevent people from coming into the units via the back, that you were hoping to move more Pathways tenants in and that you were ordering surveillance cameras. We were really hopeful that a supportive community

would be developed for all who lived there. Unfortunately over the Easter break B’s unit was broken into through the ceiling and the thieves stole his harmonicas and other small items, they also made a mess – emptying the drawers and cupboards and throwing everything around inside. B was not able to stay there any more as he was too distressed worrying about what was going to happen next.

I wanted to thank you for being so understanding of B’s situation and organising for him to move to a new one bedroom unit in Carey park when it suddenly became available. B is so happy and feels very safe and happy at the new place. He is taking pride in keeping the unit tidy and the garden maintained. I can guarantee he will be a good tenant as he understands, and so do we, how fortunate he is to have this unit.

Thank you Pathways SouthWest, your ongoing support is much appreciated.

- Housing Testimonial -

In November 2017 Pathways SouthWest signed a 2 year lease with Housing Authority to take over the management of an additional 5 units at a complex in Withers. These 2 bedroom units are to be sub-let for the purposes of Community Housing for eligible people who are engaged in a support program with Pathways SouthWest. All the prospective tenants are on low incomes and are experiencing long-term mental illness and have a need for ongoing low-cost or affordable housing. All the properties were vacant at the time and they required some minor repairs before they could be sub-let. Several units were occupied in February 2018 by clients that had been assessed, were on the wait-list and considered to be of greatest need or ‘best-fit’.

Due to ongoing anti-social behaviours in the area it has taken longer to find suitable tenants for the remaining units. The Department of Communities and Pathways have undertaken several changes in the complex to improve the safety for all residents. It is hoped that this will assist Pathways to create the longer-term goal of a supported community environment.

Pathways now manages 39 community housing properties (CDHP) under long-term leases from the Housing Authority. 30 properties are in the greater-Bunbury area and 9 are located in Busselton. The aim of the Pathways Housing Program is to provide long-term sustainable housing to support the mental health recovery process of clients. The support that is provided to the tenants is tailored to the needs of each person to assist them to maintain their tenancy. This support is funded by the Mental Health Commission under guidelines for Independent Living Program and Supported Housing.

There is a very low turnover of tenancies each year, within many of the tenants having occupied the same property for more than 10 years. When tenants decide to leave the housing program they are assisted by Pathways workers in the transition to other accommodation. All properties are managed and maintained by Pathways in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act, to Housing Authority property standards and in accordance with the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) guidelines and rent setting policies. Approximately half of the properties were constructed more than 30 years ago and now need significant long-term maintenance and refurbishment. Detailed planning is being undertaken to identify the issues and to schedule the repairs over the next 5 years. Pathways continues to have discussions with Department of Communities – Housing about the availability of other suitable properties in the SW.

Pathways has commenced the process to become an accredited Community Housing Registered Provider. As a Tier 3 Provider this requires the full review of all Pathways policies and procedures, governance and risk assessment processes, short-term and long-term housing maintenance schedules, financial viability, audit outcomes, customer feedback and complaints management.

Business supportPat and Lisa have continued to provide a client focussed front-line service for all the Pathways clients, staff, suppliers and agencies. Pat is responsible for financial processes and Lisa for housing support. They have been assisted on a casual basis by Rebekkah. Rose also provided invaluable assistance in the office as a volunteer. Jenni joined Pathways as Manager Business Improvement in March 2018. Pat delayed her retirement to assist Jenni and Pathways through the quality evaluation processes and end-of financial year audits and reporting, and is preparing to retire in September.

Housing


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- Psychoeducation Programmes -Support Services & Staff Training

Recovery orientated support continues to be available within the Busselton area weekly, via a centrally located shared office space at the Busselton Resource Centre. Transport support is also available to Busselton consumers who wish to attend the Shifting Gears social group held in Bunbury on Fridays.

Referrals via local medical centres and the Adult Community Mental Health team within the Busselton Hospital continue.

Existing Busselton Pathways SouthWest tenants continue to be well supported by both the Housing Support and Recovery Teams.

We continue to deliver the Wellways suite of programs and the Family Connections program on behalf of Mental Illness Fellowship of WA (MIFWA) – under contract to the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Wellways

Building A Future – Building a Future (BAF) is a 12 week program designed to assist family members and carers to maintain their own wellness and support the recovery of their family member or friend with a mental illness. One BAF program was run by Pathways in the last 12 months, with a total of 11 participants.

A MI Recovery program was attended by 5 clients, which provided respite support to 5 carers during this time. MI Recovery serve a dual purpose in that it builds capacity in clients whilst simultaneously providing respite to their carers.

Family Connections

Family Connections is a 12 week program that provides education, skills training and support for family carers and friends who are in a relationship with someone who has Borderline Personality Disorder.

A total of 27 carers participated in the three programs run in the past 12 months. Programs were run in Busselton, Collie and Bunbury. Participants travelled from Mandurah to attend the Bunbury program.

Again pre and post evaluations were conducted which showed some positive and encouraging outcomes in the areas surveyed. Below are some examples of feedback given at the end of the program.

• Before attending the course, I had no idea that conflict could be approached differently. There was no resolution in sight and the conflict continued. Following the course, there is hope.

• A way forward with my partner, with a common baseline of understanding about how best to communicate with each other and with our loved one to best support her become the awesome person that she has the potential to become.

Challenging Our Problematic Emotions (COPE)

COPE is a 14 week DBT informed program for people experiencing Emotional Dysregulation. The Program introduces the four skills of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) which are useful for clients in managing impulsive behaviours, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression and urges to use substances, food, gambling, etc.. to avoid or get rid of uncomfortable or intense emotions. It gives them strategies. A pilot program was run at Pathways this year. It was identified that this program is effective in teaching the theory and basics of the DBT skills but needs to be followed up with another program designed to practice all the skills using a problem identification and management approach. This new program is currently being developed and will be piloted in the next 12 months with graduates of the COPE program. A total of 8 clients commenced the pilot program with 4 completing.

Busselton: Recovery Support Services by Robyn Staff Development

Psychoeducation Programmesby Jenny


Pathways SouthWest is a Quality Assured Provider

National Mental Health Standards

National Disability Service Standards

Pathways SouthWest Inc is a NDIS Approved Provider.

In the last 12 months we invested in the following staff development and training. Some were conducted in-house, others with local partners or provided by the sector or registered training providers.

An Introduction to Trauma Informed Therapy

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Drumbeat

Family Connections Training for Facilitators

Grief and Loss

Indigenous Mental Health Conference

Mental Health Outcomes

Provide First Aid & CPR

Recovery Star

SafeTalk

Sustaining relevance and revenue in trying times (for Board members and Management team)


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Memorial Tributes

4 years ago, my life was in such a mess.

It put me through some god-awful stress.

I didn’t think things to get any worse.

My life was just seemed to be one giant curse.

So many people have some form of mental illness.

The day I looked in the mirror, I saw its likeness.

Then along came the people, who work for Pathways.

Then the dark cloud lifted and the sun shone brighter for many days.

You helped me find the one place I could truly belong.

You’re helping me recover and slowly get strong.

This unit you gave me, I can truly say is my home.

I feel safe and secure, although I’m alone.

It’s good to know you are there if I’m ever in need.

You gave me a new path to follow, so I will see where it will lead.

So everyone at Pathways, I can’t thank you enough.

My life still not perfect, some days go smooth and some are quite rough.

I know now I’m not alone, there are people who care.

To have that and know that, to me is quite rare.

So thankyou pathways from the bottom of my heart.

and thankyou to everyone that was there from the start.

So if anyone asks, who my heroes are to me.

I’d say that’s easy, Pathways are the heroes I see.

Written by Tracey Payne

Pathways

A Tribute to Tracey Bastian Oh family and friends of mine

Please do not cryI do not want to see those

Tears in your eyesThough I may not be around

Only in soundThough this might tear us apart

I will always have a place in your heartSo please no more sorrow

Cause there will always be a tomorrowWritten by her son Stephen

Pathways Southwest continued its membership of the Bunbury Mental Health Week consortium. Other members of the consortium include Richmond Wellbeing, Red Cross, Headspace, St John of God South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service, Enable and Chorus. The consortium met monthly from early in 2017 to plan out the activities planned for Bunbury during mental health week 7-14 October 2017. The theme for the week is designated by the Mental Health Commission and as this year was the 50th anniversary of Mental Health Week the theme for the week was “Celebrating 50 Years”.

Activities held over the week included;

Community Education Event. This event was held at the Back Beach Café and included education sessions on healthy diet, relaxation and contemporary issues in mental health. The venue was packed and everyone in attendance appeared to get something out of the morning.

Mental Health Expo. This event was scheduled for Tuesday mid-morning to mid-afternoon in Paisley Square in the centre of town. Unfortunately, the weather came in and the event was cancelled.

The Mental Health Week Art Exhibition. This year’s art exhibition was held on one day at MAKER + CO in Bunbury. A significant number of Pathways Southwest consumers and staff entered work into the exhibition. Pathways consumers and staff also worked at the exhibition providing supervision to the artwork and providing community members with information about the purpose of Mental Health Week.

The Mental Health Week Dance was on Thursday evening and was held at the Stirling Street Arts Centre. The venue was excellent affording the organisers the opportunity to have separate spaces for the Disco, the food

and beverages and the Bingo. The venue also utilised the wonderful outdoor space so that those attending could also enjoy the lovely evening weather. About 50 mental health consumers from various services in Bunbury attended as did several staff from each service.

The Mental Health Walk was held at The Big Swamp Parkland followed by lunch for a gold coin donation. Again the turn out was exceptional and participants were encouraged to participate in drumming and other activities after the walk.

All activities will be reviewed as part of the consortiums evaluation of the week prior to planning activities for Mental Health Week 2018.

- Mental Health Week 2017 -


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- Thank You to Partners and Donors -

Mental Health Commission

Department of Communities (Housing)

Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation

Bunbury Leschenault Rotary Club

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

Carers Australia WA

Cristal

Foodbank

Helping Minds

IPG Advisors

MIFWA

Morrissey Homestead

Red Cross Carer Respite

St John’s Community, Alcohol, Drug Services

South West Women’s Health and Information Centre

Thommo’s Community Garden

Volunteer South West

WA Primary Health Alliance

WAPRES

Over the past year many more individuals, businesses and groups have volunteered time and donated goods and services to support the work of Pathways. Thank you for your contributions.

To our many Partners And Supporters, including:Art GALLERY


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