The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern (RFDS SE) has partnered with Western College, Dubbo, to launch The RFDS Mental Health Nurse Support Program.

The program is helping people within the central west who have mental health issues to enrol in vocational education courses at Western College.

The College is a not-for-profit community-based organisation that creates opportunities for learning, vocational education and develops educational pathways and services. 

The RFDS Mental Health Nurse Support Program is working with Western College CEO Rene Wykes to help identify courses that suit the skills and interests of program participants.

RFDS SE Clinical Nurse Specialist Laurinne Campbell said people who are involved and engaged in their community enjoy better mental health than those who are isolated.

“Often clients with severe, complex mental illness, it’s been a long time since they’ve worked, undertook education or did any social engagement in a meaningful way,” she said. “Which is sad, because research tells us that that is critical for our mental health and wellbeing.”

Western College Chairperson Rod Crowfoot said students will have a choice of courses to enrol in, including non-accredited self interest or accredited programs.

“Initially students will be engaged in developing their own individualised learning plan with the support of the RFDS and Western NSW Primary Health staff, the team here at the College see that this partnership is the real key to success for the individual learners,” he said.

“The aim is to provide meaningful activities and outcomes for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues by providing support to undertake studies, engage with fellow students, developing new friendships/networks, all whilst learning new skills or brushing up on existing skills that will improve their self esteem, resilience and provide new opportunities such as their career pathway.”

But it doesn’t end there. Regular independent evaluation, planning and reviews are done throughout the program with the clients, their GP and the RFDS.

The Program is funded by the Western NSW Primary Health Network.

To participate clients must be referred to the program by a Dubbo-based GP, have a diagnosable mental illness, be prepared to participate in therapeutic recommendations and review and not in need of an acute response.

It is aimed at people who live within a two-hour drive of Dubbo and remain registered with their GP.

The GP practices involved include Dubbo Family Practices, Dubbo Regional Aboriginal Medical Services and the Bawrunga Medial Service.​

Ms Campbell said the program is goal and strength orientated to each client.

“It’s them visualising what they’d like to do and supporting them to be able to do it,” she said.

Ms Campbell said the partnership with Western College has been great and they’ve found them to be flexible with the training being delivered to clients.

“Western College were very innovative and responsive to the clients needs, and that’s the beauty of working with them,” she said.

Since the beginning of this year clients have been enrolled in the silver jewellery making classes, which has so far been very successful.

“They’ve developed networks and contacts with other people that they’d never met before, as well as walking away with a range of skills,” Ms Campbell said.

For more information please visit westerncollege.nsw.edu.au