The MASC program is a Residential Rehabilitation Service, Youth Program and Outreach Service.

Program Information:

 

The MASC program is an innovative psychosocial residential program run by Centacare as part of the Centacare Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation Service (PDRSS) services for young people aged between 16-24 yrs who have been personally affected by mental illness and are in need of a medium to high level of support as they seek to re-establish their lives.

The young people can stay for up to 2 years in a supportive community setting, participating in a program that is tailored to suit their specific needs. We aim to provide a supportive environment that assists each young person in regaining a full and active life. Fees are charged for the program to closely approximate independent living and to help maintain a quality service.

The program provides a residential and outreach services some in furnished units for up to 14 residents. MASC also offers an outreach service to support young people with dual diagnosis issues (drug and or alcohol, and mental illness). MASC is situated close to the town centre, educational facilities, bus service and local shops allowing ease of access to facilities and services. The MASC staff are a dynamic team with a diverse range of skills and life experiences. We provided support Mon- Fri 8.00 am to 10.30 PM and Sat-Sun 12.00 noon to 8.00PM. Staff are rostered overnight as required.

Program Approach

Young people enter MASC on a voluntary basis.

We are committed to working holistically with young people to foster hope, personal growth and self worth in a community setting which:

• Provides a safe community environment which is also supportive and fun
• Gives young people a safe place to explore issues that affect their lives and to rebuild confidence, self esteem and hope for their future.
• Will assist them to develop healthy peer relationships and increase their social support networks
• Assist in building links and relationships in the wider community
• Providing a semi-structured program including daily living skills, personal and emotional growth, mental health eduction and other skills as might be required to allow each young person to regain skills live an active and fulfilling life which reflects their, hopes, goals and aspirations.

Target Group:

To be accepted into the MASC program you need to be:

• Aged between 16-24 yrs of age.
• Have a mental illness. Your GP or mental health worker can contact MASC for you.
• Be willing to accept support from MASC.
• Be willing to accept help to reduce drug and or alcohol use and self harming behaviours.
• Are within the Grampians Region.
• Can maintain a safe living environment in a setting where 24 hour support is not provided.

Availability

This service operates 7 days a week, 52 weeks per year.

Location

MASC is located in Ballarat

Referral Process

Referral is via the Centacare Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation Support Service Intake system.

Referrals can be made by services, consumers and carers.

For more information about the MASC program please contact 03 5331 9002.

Referral form can be downloaded from HERE.