Personal Support Programme

Personal Support Programme (PSP) is designed to help people on income support stay connected to the economic and social life of the community. Some people in complex and difficult circumstances find it hard to get a job or benefit from employment assistance programmes. PSP assists these people.

PSP is a bridge between short-term crisis services and employment assistance programmes like Job Network. PSP is delivered by about 140 organisations in 600 locations across Australia and is administered by the Australian Government.

What can people on the programme expect?

PSP is focused on outcomes. PSP providers help people tackle difficult circumstances that are holding them back from achieving their goals. PSP participants can expect to receive the following:

• counselling/personal support, this includes guidance, assistance, encouragement, building self-esteem and confidence
• referral and advocacy, help to link into their local community and to access services
• practical support, for instance, assistance to attend interviews or with transport
• outreach activities, to assist people living in remote area, or who have special needs
• assessment, the PSP provider will work with client to help set goals and plans, monitor progress and work out when they are ready to move on.

PSP providers will use different approaches, such as individual counselling, group work and specialist assistance. Participants and PSP providers are expected to maintain regular contact, at least once a month. Results from the programmes may include getting a job, transfer to employment assistance programmes or study. Social outcomes could include stabilised circumstances, increased community engagement, improved life skills, stable accommodation, increased self-esteem/confidence and accessing mental health services. Whilst getting a job is the ultimate goal, the programme recognises that this may not be possible for all people at all times. Social outcomes may be the first steps towards independence.

Who does PSP help?
People accessing the programme deserve individualised attention because they face difficult circumstances. Clients may be facing the following:

• homelessness
• drug/alcohol problems
• psychological/ mental illness
• personality disorders
• mood disorders
• anxiety disorders
• torture/trauma gambling problems
• domestic violence
• financial problems
• physical/intellectual disability
• social isolation
• poor communication/language skills
• long term unemployment

Who is eligible?
The programme is open to most people of workforce age who receive Commonwealth income support payments including Newstart Allowance. Youth Allowance. Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension, Mature Age Allowance, Partner Allowance, Wife's Pension. Those aged 15-20 who do not receive any payment but are registered as job seekers with Centrelink.

What are the benefits?
The programme allows people on activity tested payments to meet their activity requirements through participation in the programme, delivers assistance that matches the abilities, capacity and circumstances of participants, streamlines movement from the programme to employment or economically-focused programmes, particularly Job Network and Disability Employment Assistance.

How do people get into the PSP?
Centrelink identifies potential programme participants, assesses their eligibility for the programme and refers them to PSP providers. Other participants are identified through Job Network.

What happens to participants at the end of their two years on the programme?
One of the main aims of the programme is to help participants find the assistance and support they will need after the programme.

A participant who exits the programme without an economic outcome will return to Centrelink. A new activity agreement will be agreed with requirements that match the person's capabilities and circumstances. After 12 months their situation will be reviewed with possible readmission to the programme.

How is PSP delivered?
A network of private and community organisations deliver the programme.

PSP providers have been selected for their skills and experience in providing services to potential programme participants. They have been chosen for their familiarity with and participation in the local community and their capacity to develop partnerships with other service organizations providing assistance to people with arrange of personal difficulties. Community links provide opportunities for participants re-entering the workforce and increasing their involvement in the community life. A person on the programme can always call their PSP provide for help.

Privacy/Complaints?
The law requires providers to keep participants records private. A Code of Conduct guarantees a high quality approach to service delivery.

If a person has problems with their PSP provider which they cannot restore, they can phone 1800 805 260 (free call) for help.

Where can I find out more?
People who would like to participate in the programme should visit their local Centrelink office, to determine if they are eligible to enter the programme. Organisations who may have potential participants should speak with their local Centrelink office to discuss referral and the most appropriate PSP provider.

Where are we located?
We are located at 9 Langwells Parade Northcote 3070 Our telephone number is:  94823488

Who to contact?
When you call ask to speak to Halime Aldemir or Kate Burns