Times charged with activism and cultural expression stretched our thinking about what supported living looked like. In the 70s, as Sydney celebrated its first Mardi Gras, ushered in new cultural experiences with the opening of Sydney Opera House, and took action on Aboriginal Rights with the Land Fund Act, our minds were opened to the idea of broadening our service philosophy to include amenities and programs you’d expect of everyday community life.
A visit to Fountain House in New York, where 350 members took pride in making a meaningful contribution to in-house programs such as a restaurant, clerical services and group activities, inspired our psycho-social approach and holistic drop-in centres we now run in small towns and urban villages everywhere.
A long-lasting legacy of PRA’s 20th anniversary, Buckingham House (pictured) was opened as a Fountain House–style drop-in centre, minutes from Central Station, with free programs, reading rooms and a bistro that opens out to a courtyard garden. Fifty years on, Buckhouse is a much-loved hub of Sydney’s inner-city landscape.
1973 – The Richmond Fellowship arrives
Ever-increasing numbers of people in recovery and re-entry to the community had all eyes on what was happening in rehabilitation around the world. This led to UK foundation The Richmond Fellowship being established here in 1973 as a major provider of supported accommodation.
It was a winning year for mental wellbeing with introduction of The NSW Mental Health Commission, bringing psychiatric hospitals, community health services and programs under the same body as public hospitals.
A future vision for comprehensive and fully integrated programs and services responding to complex mental health needs was coming together quite organically for Flourish Australia. The new arrival wasted no time launching an appeal toward purchase of suitable properties for halfway houses.
1974 – Taking it to the streets!
NSW was regionalised into 33 Area Health Services in 1974. PRA ran three of five supported workshops registered, based on our self-help recovery model highlighting three pillars:
- Social Skills through our club networks
- Work skills through our sheltered workshops
- Supported Accommodation through our hostel and group homes
We reached out into the community as Mental Health Nursing, a vital link in treatment and care, became more community based. Better support within the community meant more patients could be discharged, also giving rise to the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services Association with a membership of practitioners, organisations, agencies and individuals dedicated to community-oriented recovery resources and services.
1975 – Family matters!
With de-institutionalisation, the needs of family and carers supporting a loved one’s mental health recovery journey began to hit home by the mid 70s. The Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill was a welcome development in 1975, to help pick up the pieces of a family dynamic disrupted.
Experience has impressed upon us the true value of family and carers on the recovery journey, so we listen to their concerns and take care of them too. Together, we find ways to take the pressure off and restore the family unit.