For many people, positive mental health and recovery is not about reaching a finish line. It is about taking small steps forward, building confidence and having the right support to achieve personal goals.
For Sarah, one of those supports has been Southern Cross Care WA (SCCWA)’s Community Options program and Senior Recovery Partner Theresa.
Community Options is a residential mental health program offering 24/7 care and recovery support. A team of Recovery Partners work alongside clients as they relearn or gain new skills to help them transition back to living independently in the community. The program, which is run at one of our residential facilities, supports individuals aged between 18 and 65 who have experienced a long-term stay in hospital due to mental illness.
Sarah joined Community Options just over a year ago.
While the transition felt overwhelming at first, she says she has gradually found her footing and settled into the program.
“My relationship with Theresa is good as I find her very approachable,” Sarah says.
Theresa has worked in Community Options since 2020 and says helping people find their own path is what she is most passionate about when it comes to positive mental health.
“Our approach is centred on working with clients rather than doing things for them, helping them rebuild confidence, develop skills, and regain abilities that may have been lost or become unfamiliar over time,” she says.
Over the past year, Sarah has achieved several personal milestones that she is proud of.
One of her biggest achievements has been completing a Diploma of Floristry, something that required commitment, perseverance and belief in her own abilities. She has also reconnected with her family, an important step in strengthening her support network.
Sarah continues to focus on other goals, including improving her health and wellbeing and building the skills she needs to live independently.
“Sarah has made significant progress in a number of areas of her recovery journey,” Theresa says.
“These achievements are a testament to Sarah’s hard work, resilience, and willingness to embrace new opportunities.”
At the heart of this progress is a partnership built on trust, respect and listening.
Theresa believes one of the most important aspects of recovery is ensuring people feel heard and actively involved in decisions about their own lives.
“When people feel unheard, it can impact their confidence, engagement, and willingness to participate in their recovery journey,” she says. “Recovery is a personal journey, and every individual should have the opportunity to shape their own path.”
Community Options supports people to explore their options, make informed decisions and advocate for themselves, helping create a sense of ownership and control over their future.
For Sarah, positive mental wellbeing means taking care of herself through exercise, maintaining good hygiene and managing everyday tasks with an improved mood. She also encourages others facing challenges to seek support from the people and services that can help.
“Get the right support,” she says. “GP, Psychiatrist, Counsellor, Nurse, and any other places that you need to your specific need.”
What happens when people feel supported
Stories like Sarah’s demonstrate the positive impact that can happen when people feel supported, empowered and involved in their own recovery. Through partnership, encouragement and a focus on individual strengths, Community Options helps people build confidence, strengthen connections and work towards the life they want.
Steve, another of our Community Options participants, has had a similar experience with the program.
SCCWA’s Community Options program is available in Bently, Stirling, and Mount Claremont
The program supported 28 people this year, with six clients successfully transitioning to more independent living arrangements.
As Mental Health Week encourages conversations about wellbeing and recovery, Sarah’s journey is a reminder that every achievement matters, every goal is worth pursuing and every person deserves to feel heard
