Personal Support Programme

In July 2006, ADFACT began to accept referrals to the Personal Support Programme (PSP).

What is the PSP?

The PSP aims to give individual attention to people facing difficult circumstances or multiple barriers in their lives. Each participant is allocated a case manager who helps them work towards their social and economic goals.

These may include:

• Personal development
• Improved physical or mental health
• Greater independence
• Further education and training
• Employment
• Improved life skills & goal setting
• Stable accommodation
• Increased self-esteem, motivation and confidence
• Access to community services
• Much more

The PSP offers:

• Counselling and personal support – including guidance, assistance, encouragement, building self-esteem and confidence
• Regular appointments (monthly minimum)
• Referral and advocacy – helps participants to link into their local community and to access services
• Practical support – assistance with accessing services and developing support networks, etc.
• Outreach activities – to assist people living in the community or who have special needs
• Assessment – the case manager will work with participants to help set goals and plans, monitor progress and work out when they are ready to move on and offer ongoing assistance
• Vocational guidance and support – including study/training and job search assistance and referral, including referral to an accredited ADFACT workskills training programme

Who is on the team?

PSP workers are specialist staff from the ADFACT Community Team. They have experience and training in drug and alcohol treatment, psychology, general counselling, support and employment services.

How long is the PSP available?

Assistance can be provided for up to two years, or until the participant has reached their goals, and no longer needs us.

Who is eligible?

People who are:

• accessing ADFACT services for assistance with an alcohol or drug dependence, and
• of workforce age, receiving Commonwealth income support payments, or are registered job seekers with Centrelink.

Eligibility for the PSP is assessed by a Centrelink officer (usually the psychologist).

What are the rights of a PSP participant?

• To receive services tailored to their individual needs
• To have the opportunity to participate in decision making
• To be treated with dignity and have their privacy respected
• To have access to a complaints/dispute resolution process
• To receive professional service
• To be assisted by staff with relevant skills, training and experience
• To be treated with care and respect

What about complaints?

If a participant has problems with their case manager they can sort these out by contacting the Manager, ADFACT Community Team on 06163 0200, or the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations on 1800 637 079 or 1800 805 260.