Social Recovery Approach for People with Psychosocial Injury or Illness in Rural and Regional Communities
Tracks
Mossman - In-Person
| Thursday, November 7, 2024 |
| 1:55 PM - 2:15 PM |
| Mossman Ballroom |
Overview
Dr Caroline Howe and Belinda Lucia, My Social Support Network
Presenter
Dr Caroline Howe
Owner
My Social Support Network
Social Recovery Approach for People with Psychosocial Injury or Illness in Rural and Regional Communities
Abstract
My Social Support Network – a case study on the impact of a closed online social community with a structured stepped care social recovery approach for people with psychosocial injury or illness in rural and regional communities.
The aim of the My Social Support Network online community model was to understand if a stepped care socialisation program, offered through an online (virtual / tele health) format would show improvements in mental wellness, reduce social isolation, and create pathways for improved local community interaction.
The My Social Support Network programs and online portal was co-designed with people with psychosocial illness. The purpose was to allow people with very poor mental health to be able to socialise with others, engage in a range of programs and be part of a closed community that allowed stepped care social recovery without having to leave the safety of their homes. Programs were designed to allow people to engage in personal development programs, virtual holidays, cooking classes, celebrations and social events.
The case studies will do a deep dive into the recovery journey of members in My Social Support Network who were experiencing agoraphobia, PTSD, adjustment disorder and borderline personality disorder.
This case study is offered to expand on the knowledge of the benefit and drawbacks of online communities for people who are lonely and isolated as a result of either location, illness, or both.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The benefits of virtual communities for isolated people.
2. Key findings on program format and scheduling to reduce isolation.
3. Unexpected outcomes for older and NESB populations.
The aim of the My Social Support Network online community model was to understand if a stepped care socialisation program, offered through an online (virtual / tele health) format would show improvements in mental wellness, reduce social isolation, and create pathways for improved local community interaction.
The My Social Support Network programs and online portal was co-designed with people with psychosocial illness. The purpose was to allow people with very poor mental health to be able to socialise with others, engage in a range of programs and be part of a closed community that allowed stepped care social recovery without having to leave the safety of their homes. Programs were designed to allow people to engage in personal development programs, virtual holidays, cooking classes, celebrations and social events.
The case studies will do a deep dive into the recovery journey of members in My Social Support Network who were experiencing agoraphobia, PTSD, adjustment disorder and borderline personality disorder.
This case study is offered to expand on the knowledge of the benefit and drawbacks of online communities for people who are lonely and isolated as a result of either location, illness, or both.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The benefits of virtual communities for isolated people.
2. Key findings on program format and scheduling to reduce isolation.
3. Unexpected outcomes for older and NESB populations.
Biography
A recognised leader in the Australian rehabilitation & injury management field, Dr Caroline Howe has over 25 year’s experience working as a practitioner, teacher, advocate, facilitator, and change agent. Caroline has experience that spans across a variety of public and private organisations, in both rural and regional areas throughout the Australian rehabilitation and injury management industry.
Awarded an Excellence in Industry Award for Innovation and Excellence in Personal Injury Management (2012) and Workplace Excellence Award for Organisational Design (2016). PhD qualified. Past President of the Australian Rehabilitation Counselling Association.
Belinda Lucia
Chief Operating Officer for Create Today
My Social Support Network
Social Recovery Approach for People with Psychosocial Injury or Illness in Rural and Regional Communities
Abstract
My Social Support Network – a case study on the impact of a closed online social community with a structured stepped care social recovery approach for people with psychosocial injury or illness in rural and regional communities.
The aim of the My Social Support Network online community model was to understand if a stepped care socialisation program, offered through an online (virtual / tele health) format would show improvements in mental wellness, reduce social isolation, and create pathways for improved local community interaction.
The My Social Support Network programs and online portal was co-designed with people with psychosocial illness. The purpose was to allow people with very poor mental health to be able to socialise with others, engage in a range of programs and be part of a closed community that allowed stepped care social recovery without having to leave the safety of their homes. Programs were designed to allow people to engage in personal development programs, virtual holidays, cooking classes, celebrations and social events.
The case studies will do a deep dive into the recovery journey of members in My Social Support Network who were experiencing agoraphobia, PTSD, adjustment disorder and borderline personality disorder.
This case study is offered to expand on the knowledge of the benefit and drawbacks of online communities for people who are lonely and isolated as a result of either location, illness, or both.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The benefits of virtual communities for isolated people.
2. Key findings on program format and scheduling to reduce isolation.
3. Unexpected outcomes for older and NESB populations.
The aim of the My Social Support Network online community model was to understand if a stepped care socialisation program, offered through an online (virtual / tele health) format would show improvements in mental wellness, reduce social isolation, and create pathways for improved local community interaction.
The My Social Support Network programs and online portal was co-designed with people with psychosocial illness. The purpose was to allow people with very poor mental health to be able to socialise with others, engage in a range of programs and be part of a closed community that allowed stepped care social recovery without having to leave the safety of their homes. Programs were designed to allow people to engage in personal development programs, virtual holidays, cooking classes, celebrations and social events.
The case studies will do a deep dive into the recovery journey of members in My Social Support Network who were experiencing agoraphobia, PTSD, adjustment disorder and borderline personality disorder.
This case study is offered to expand on the knowledge of the benefit and drawbacks of online communities for people who are lonely and isolated as a result of either location, illness, or both.
Three Key Learnings:
1. The benefits of virtual communities for isolated people.
2. Key findings on program format and scheduling to reduce isolation.
3. Unexpected outcomes for older and NESB populations.
Biography
Belinda has more than 20 years’ experience in working in departments supporting Rural and Remote areas across various government sectors. During this time, she has had extensive experience liaising with districts during significant events such as COVID, flooding and fires. She brings a wealth of understanding to the Create Today team of challenges and benefits of communities across NSW. Belinda has also led the data collection and interpretation of the most recent MSSN pilot study in Victoria.
