When Alex displays her photographs and hand-drawn portraits at this month’s EIPSRS art exhibition, she will be sharing herself and connecting with others in ways that were once unimaginable to her.
“I was living in a haze and day-to-day necessities were overwhelming me,” Alex said. “Things like answering the phone, eating properly, bathing or just being prepared to face the day - I’d wake up and that was it. I didn’t feel heard, but it wasn’t like no-one was listening, it was more that I didn’t feel understood… it was very isolating.”
The 33-year-old from Coburg accesses the Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response Service (EIPSRS) – a short-to-medium term psychosocial support for people who are ineligible for, or have not yet accessed, the NDIS.
The program delivers one-on-one and group-based support so that people experiencing mental health challenges can manage their wellbeing, engage with their community and develop practical life and social skills.
Each year, the service hosts the annual Mind Melbourne Metro EIPSRS Art Exhibition in Docklands, Victoria.
The exhibition is an opportunity for service users to share their art and creativity created through EIPSRS’ range of peer-led groups, such as arts and crafts, and photography groups.
“I’m excited for it. I’ve submitted a few pieces that are special and close to my heart; a portrait of my late father and a song about the island [Akatokamanava] my grandmother is from – I long to go there one day,” Alex says.
“As much as I do share myself, I often don’t feel seen and appreciated for how I want to be seen, so I’m excited to share that with others at the exhibition.”
Presenting at a public art exhibition is a far cry from where Alex was just a year ago before she accessed support via the EIPSRS.
Although Alex was connected with mental health supports, she was merely going through the motions and not making much, if any, progress with her wellbeing.
“I had very little drive; I wasn’t engaged in much at all and I wasn’t putting myself into what I was doing,” she said.
Alex says EIPSRS and her support worker, Lauren, changed everything. And now, the regular EIPSRS groups are something of a sanctuary for Alex.
“Somebody came into my life that didn’t have to be there, and Lauren and I slowly built a relationship. I was able to share myself with someone in a safe space where I didn’t feel like I had to give something back to be supported,” she said.
“EIPSRS is a place that I can go and just exist and do things I love that I don’t have to think about; I don’t have to plan it, and I’m there with people who just want to do the same thing.
“EIPSRS has brought a sense of belonging into my life. It has also brought motivation to connect with the world in a safe way even when I don’t think I have the courage to face the world. I still rock up to art group when I look bad or feel bad but when I arrive, I always feel accepted and comfortable – that has been such an important part of my growth.”
Lauren, a community mental health practitioner with Mind’s EIPSRS program, says Alex has been able to channel her passion for art and photography into a means of achieving her goals.
“Alex’s images are more than just artwork; they are a reflection of her creativity, courage and deep desire to connect with others. Since joining the art group I’ve witnessed Alex beautifully merge her artistic expression with her goal of becoming more involved in the community,” Lauren said.
This year’s Mind Melbourne Metro EIPSRS Art Exhibition will be held at Kindred Cameras Gallery in Docklands (Victoria) on Thursday 19 June (12:30 – 2:30 pm)
For more information about Mind support services near you call 1300 286 463 or visit the Service finder.