Kaiyu Konnect Early Intervention Program (KKEIP well)

Program Description

The Kaiyu Konnect Early Intervention Program (KKEIP well) is designed to support young people who are in their first few years of experiencing symptoms of mental illness. The program is designed to help participants through this difficult, confusing and often isolating time by supporting them in developing better mental health. We focus on 3 key areas:

• Community Inclusion
• Education
• Relapse Prevention

Participant Intake Criteria

Participants must:

• Be aged 18-25 years
• Have developed symptoms of mental illness within the last 3 years
• Be currently in a non-acute phase of mental illness
• Be currently linked with a mental health service
• Referrals reviewed by the Konnect team for program eligibility

Program Format

The Group Program

The group program is run on Fridays over a ten week period during school terms from 10:00am-4:00pm in groups of up to 10 people. During the program participants have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of social, skill development and group work activities. Topics include self awareness, confidence, self-esteem and recovery.

The Social Inclusion Program

Evidence base research/practice defines that quality of life for people with serious mental illness depends upon reducing isolation and loneliness. (Carling et al, NSW Health Getting in Early)

To support this Kaiyu has incorporated a social inclusion model as a major focus of our program. Social Inclusion Workers liase with the community and provide ongoing 1:1 support to assist participants to achieve their goals and overcome identified barriers to inclusion. This inclusion support is provided as long as needed, with flexible support hours.

Assessment and Evaluation

Early Intervention Project Advisory Group (EIPAG)

Establishing an effective and innovative early intervention service, which also incorporates important community inclusion aspects, will require input from a wide variety of stakeholders. The multi-disciplinary EIPAG is made up of members who are well connected within the mental health and broader community. This will ensure that KKEIP has good access to a wide variety of experience and resources. EIPAG will provide guidance for implementation and ongoing evaluation, particularly in the areas of community inclusion, social skills development and education.

Contact Us

For more information on the Kaiyu Konnect Early Intervention Program:

Email: youth@kaiyu.org.au
Phone: 61 2 4965 8454
Fax: 61 2 4965 8371