PHaMs team leader Debra Sariman spoke at the official opening of the new ARAFEMI Victoria office in Dandenong on Tuesday. 60200
By Bridget Cook
ARAFEMI Victoria officially opened the new office in Dandenong on Tuesday in order to provide the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs) to the region.
The PHaMs program, a core component of the Australian Government’s Mental Health initiative, aims to help people with mental illness overcome social isolation and increase their connections to the community.
It intends to provide practical and emotional support to people aged 16 and over who are homeless or at risk, suffering from mental illness.
People that fall into this group are able to join the program and work with their own personal helper and mentor to build the skills and ability to obtain stable accommodation for themselves and lead a fulfilling life in the community.
Now located in the heart of Dandenong, PHaMs will be on the ground to help people within the local community.
Workers will provide a wide range of support services including general advocacy, coaching and training.
ARAFEMI executive director Frances Sanders said 925 people in the Dandenong district have no place to call home on any one night and the incidence of mental illness within the community was running high.
“For some, living in Greater Dandenong can be bleak,” she said.
“Greater Dandenong has the highest rates of housing financial stress, highest levels of unemployment and highest rates of substance abuse when compared to other regions around not only Victoria, but Australia.”
PHaMs team leader Debra Sariman said ARAFEMI was committed to improving housing options for people who experienced mental illness and drug and alcohol issues in Dandenong.
For more information visit www.arafemi.org.au
