7 minute read

Alex says Mind’s Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response (EIPSR) has helped him develop social skills and discover his passion for painting.

Alex, who experiences anxiety and depression, has been receiving one-to-one and group-based support via the EIPSR program. EIPSR is a short-to-medium term psychosocial support for people who are ineligible for, or have not yet accessed, the NDIS.

The program supports people experiencing mental health challenges to help them manage their wellbeing, engage with their community and develop practical life and social skills.

The 55-year-old from Mill Park in Victoria said EIPSR has helped him break out of his comfort zone and overcome isolation.

“The program has helped me get my mind in a better place and it has helped me interact with other people in a similar situation,” he said.

“I’ve stabilised more than anything else. I’ve learnt how to manage my diagnosis; it was up and down before but EIPSR has helped me better manage the down days.

The program has helped me get my mind in a better place and it has helped me interact with other people in a similar situation

“When you attend the EIPSR groups you get to meet people and it makes you feel more confident just by talking to others. I used to stay at home a lot so this has helped me get out of the house.”

Alex regularly attends EIPSR’s peer-led art group, which draws on a range of mixed media to assist service users to voice their feelings and experiences. The art group encourages participants to find creative and adaptive outlets to support the connection between body and mind, develop self-care strategies and provide a safe space to share and connect with others.

Alex shared four paintings that he developed in the art group at this year’s annual Mind Melbourne Metro EIPSR Art Exhibition held at Kindred Cameras Gallery in Docklands. He said showing off his work gave him a sense of achievement and pride.

“The art exhibition was great. This year was my first time exhibiting and I loved it,” he said.

“When I’m creating the pieces it helps me clear my mind. I got lots of great feedback at the exhibition, which made me feel good and helped my confidence.”

EIPSR Lead Practitioner Melissa Sadaka said Alex had made significant progress on his mental health recovery journey since joining EIPSR.

“Alex’s dedication to both the group activities and individual sessions has significantly contributed to his mental health journey. The art exhibition was a significant milestone for him, showcasing not only his artistic talents but also his newfound confidence,” Melissa said.

“The positive feedback he received was well deserved and has had a profound impact on his self-esteem. I’m incredibly proud of Alex’s progress and I’m delighted to see how much the service has positively impacted his life.”

For more information about Mind support services near you call 1300 286 463.

If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
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