A locally grown plan has been launched to better support vulnerable people across the Mallee.
The Mallee Accommodation and Support Program has introduced what’s known as a therapeutic model of care to underpin how it services the region.
Under the model, MASP staff take a holistic approach to support the overall wellbeing of people seeking help from the organisation.
“We’re really excited about how this model of care is improving our services right across the board,”
MASP chief executive Vincent Wilson said.
“The model describes the key elements of safe, strengths-based, growth-orientated service provision at MASP from a trauma-informed and therapeutic perspective,” Mr Wilson said.
“It also builds on the aims detailed in our strategic plan, published last year, which dedicates our organisation to empowering our community to be free from homelessness, abuse, poverty, and
disadvantage,” he said.
MASP’s vision is for thriving Mallee communities, with individuals and families equipped to lead, safe, secure, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The MASP Board initiated the idea of a bespoke model back in 2017 and over the past two years a staff reference group teamed up with MASP’s executive team to develop the organisation’s CARES values – Connected, Accountable, Responsive, Empowering and Safe.
The organisation’s Director of Practice, Helena Moore, was responsible for writing the model with assistance from world-renowned expert consultant, Patrick Tomlinson. Ms Moore has also overseen the work to embed the model into MASP’s everyday work.
“At a practical level, this model of care organises and unites our services, and it’s already being integrated into our daily work,” Ms Moore said.
“Our aim is that people who access MASP will get support that better recognises their needs and responds to them seamlessly.”
The practice foundations in the model are considered to be the core of good human service work at MASP, and in general:
- Leadership
- Reflective supervision
- Learning and development
- Psychological Safety
- Being trauma-informed
- Working together
- Cultural competence and cultural safety
“These foundations are distilled from the same therapeutic and trauma-informed principles that are common to most, if not all, human service program-specific models and frameworks,” Ms Moore said.
“It’s been an empowering experience to have the contributions from such a wide cross section of the organisation in developing of this model, from the Board to our staff and volunteers.
“This is a big change for our organisation and how we work with people across the Mallee, and I’m confident the community will benefit.”
