For over 25 years ERMHA has provided support to people with a psychiatric illness and we do this in several ways.
From experience we know that people with a mental illness can learn to manage and thrive as they discover (or re-discover) the skills and knowledge that we all call on to help us navigate through life. We call this process “psychosocial rehabilitation”.
Another cornerstone of ERMHA’s work is that we know everybody is different. When we support our clients we do so acknowledging that each one will have different needs, desires, dreams and objectives and our programs are configured accordingly.
The work we do can be roughly divided into three areas
Group support. People who use ERMHA’s services have a vital resource – other people who are on the same journey. Our clients get the chance to talk to, and work with, people who know what it means to live with a mental illness. As experienced and supportive as ERMHA staff are, our clients often find other clients to be excellent guides to better mental health. Also, being with others, communicating, cooperating and sharing, helps people create a sense of meaning and safety and it lessens any sense of isolation a client might experience.Group programs are also ideal for some clients because a mental illness can interfere with a person’s ability to manage in social situations. ERMHA’s groups allow clients to regain social confidence while learning new skills or trying out new theraputic approaches in a safe and welcoming environment.
Individual support. Several ERMHA programs are designed to support people with a mental illness where they live or “on their own turf”. The umbrella term for this part of our work is “Home Based Outreach”. Our outreach clients establish program plans to chart ways to reach their goals, as do group program participants. In consultation with an ERMHA support worker, clients decide whether group programs or outreach (or both) is most suitable in order to get the desired results.
The kind and degree of support we offer to clients in their homes varies. Certain programs provide intensive support for clients with a severe mental illness and/or complex needs. Other programs are less intensive.
Weaving webs of support. ERMHA supports clients in many ways, but other organisations provide services that can benefit our clients as well. From employment to education, from legal issues to medical concerns, from housing to counselling, we seek to introduce our clients to other services that have skills relevant to our clients’ needs. ERMHA also collaborates in formal partnerships with various organisations. These arrangements are particularly helpful to clients as they transition from one circumstance or situation to another.
Wherever possible, we tailor our service to the needs of the client. This means a client might participate in several ERMHA programs over time or even concurrently, while at the same time using the services of other community-based organisations.One of the first things people become aware of is that we keep mental illness in perspective. It is just one part of our clients’ lives, even though at times it may be experienced as overwhelming. Our clients’ strengths get the focus they deserve and as we assist people to reduce the effects of a mental illness we encourage them to explore new approaches to life.
Find out more about...
Got coffee in your veins? Become a barista at MadCap's Center for Coffee Excellence...
Got time for a good cause? 
Our Op Shops need...
1 volunteer driver. Must be available on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Manual licence is essential. Pick up & drop off of furniture & household goods so some physical work is involved.
We also need Shop Volunteers, any age, for counter sales, pricing, sorting of goods and customer service. All applicants will be required to undergo a police criminal check. Please contact Rhonda or Gale-Dawn at the Ermha Opportunity Shop Phone: 9547 5225 between 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
Ermha's Vision
To be a leader in the mental health services sector through the provision of high quality services that promote, develop and sustain the independence and community inclusion of those who have or may acquire a severe mental illness.
Our MissionTo open up a world of opportunity for people with a psychiatric disability to participate and thrive in the community of their choice.
ERMHA's 25 years of service2007 saw ERMHA reach 25 years of age. As part of the celebrations we produced a booklet documenting ERMHA's history more...
Art gallery