Partners in Recovery (PIR)

Partners in Recovery (PIR) works with people with severe and persistent mental illness who, because of their complex needs, require the support of multiple agencies and services which may include:

1. specialist mental health services

2. primary health care services e.g. GP

3. drug and alcohol treatment services

4. income support services (e.g. Centrelink).

The aim of PIR is to ensure that these services work together in a more collaborative, coordinated and integrated way; supporting an individual’s recovery journey by addressing their physical health, mental health and other needs including education, housing, employment and social opportunities.

PIR promotes a community centred recovery model which underpins clinical and community support services and is based on the understanding that a successful recovery requires a comprehensive response from a range of sectors including:

1. accommodation and housing

2. independent living skills (e.g. budgeting, cooking)

3. education, employment and recreation

4. parenting support, child protection, domestic violence &  justice services.

Referral and Eligibility Information

within Australia delivers the Partners in Recovery (PIR) initiative in East Gippsland, Wellington and South Gippsland.

PIR is for people who meet all of the following criteria:

1. are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness

2. have complex needs that require input from multiple agencies

3. require substantial support and assistance to engage with these agencies, to meet the person’s needs

4. have no existing coordination arrangements in place OR arrangements are not meeting their needs, or may be contributing to the problems experienced by the person

5. are agreeable to participation in the Partners in Recovery initiative and provide informed consent.

within Australia has PIR Support Facilitators based at Leongatha, Sale, Orbost and Bairnsdale, along with a dedicated position to the Aboriginal Community.

If you think that you or someone you know could benefit from PIR:

Step One

Contact within Australia on 1300 737 412 for further information and/or to discuss eligibility for PIR.

Step Two

If you are eligible for PIR meeting will be arranged with a Support Facilitator who will discuss the program in detail.