Older Persons’ Wellbeing Network
Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program
Anglicare is providing the Older Persons’ Wellbeing Network in the CESPHN region as part of the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Program.
The CPS program provides psychosocial support services to assist people with severe mental illness and reduced psychosocial functional capacity who are not receiving psychosocial supports through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Program Overview
The Older Persons’ Wellbeing Network delivers mental health support to older people experiencing moderate to complex mental health challenges. The program includes a strong voluntary peer-support model comprised of older peers, called befrienders, who can relate to the client group.
A mental health practitioner will offer 1:1 counselling and referral support and establish support groups (e.g., support groups for people experiencing grief and loss, depression and anxiety, or more complex chronic mental health conditions).
Befrienders (voluntary older peer supporters) will be trained by the mental health practitioner and be involved in activities such as co-facilitating mental health themed workshops and support groups, 1:1 engagement with peers (such as coffee catch ups), and support with engaging in activities in the community.
A Wellbeing Network Group will meet regularly to discuss initiatives and activities that will be beneficial for maintaining and improving emotional wellbeing in the community. The activities focus on increasing social engagement, building community, and reducing isolation experienced by older persons.
This program is currently based in the Inner West.
Eligibility
The Older Persons’ Wellbeing Network is available to older people who:
- Are aged 65+ (55+ for Aboriginal peoples)*
- Experience, or are at risk of developing, complex mental health challenges (diagnosis not required);
- Have an associated level of reduced psychosocial functional capacity;
- Live, work, or study in the CESPHN region;
- Are not assisted by the NDIS; and
- Are not receiving any other psychosocial support services that duplicate those provided through CPSP.
* Younger clients (55+ or 45+ for Aboriginal peoples) with identified needs for which there is no other appropriate service may be considered if program capacity allows.
Referrals
Please download this form to make a referral.
Please note that this program is only funded until 30 June 2025.
Provider Information
| Name | Anglicare |
| opwncesphn@anglicare.org.au | |
| Website | Click here |
| Online referral | Submit this form to opwncesphn@anglicare.org.au |
Download Older Persons' Wellbeing Network Brochure
Download Older Persons' Wellbeing Network Events Newsletter Oct-Dec 2024