Intensive Outreach Service (IOS)

What does the Intensive Outreach Service (IOS) offer?

Supports can include:

  • Accommodation focused living skills; such as securing accommodation if homeless, finding more suitable long term housing if in temporary accommodation, setting up & maintaining a home, budgeting, managing utilities, bills or debts
  • Learning or re-learning general living skills such as shopping and meals preparation
  • Support with maintaining & promoting mental & physical health
  • Establishing and maintaining family, community & social connections
  • Promoting cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Building confidence and developing strengths
  • Promoting employment, education or training opportunities
  • Developing links with other services e.g. clinical mental health services, general health, Centrelink, legal, Office of Housing & other housing providers

Who is eligible for the Intensive Outreach Service (IOS)?

Intensive Outreach Service (IOS) is suitable for those who:

  • Experience of severe & persistent mental illness that significantly impacts on the ability to live independently and participate in the community. Experience of co-occurring disorders such as drug and alcohol, legal / forensic, physical health issues, brain injuries or other, are also eligible
  • Are aged between 18 and 64 years
  • Are homeless or live in insecure accommodation in the North Eastern Cities of Darebin, Banyule, Nillumbik, or Whittlesea
  • Have a need to increase their living skills
  • Have the desire and are agreeable to actively participating in the program to make positive changes

How do I apply for the Intensive Outreach Service (IOS)?

Option 1: Download the IOS Application Form, print and complete form, then post to:

Northern Team Leader
ARAFEMI Outreach Services
PO Box 592
HEIDELBERG VIC 3084

or

Fax on 9455 0116

Option 2: Complete Online Form

Please Note:

  • Online applications take about 15 minutes to complete and requires the person who will recieve the service to complete the final section. Any carer views can also be incorporated in the application.
  • Due to high demand for the service, places are allocated on the basis of greatest need, commitment to engagement with the service, and availability. Waiting times can range between a few days and one or two months, depending on applications and worker availability
  • An applicant will be asked to attend a meeting when a suitable place becomes available. At this meeting, the application will be discussed in further detail, and the applicant is encouraged to bring support people such as family members, friends or their case manager

For an informal discussion regarding the service, or to check the progress of an application or update any change of circumstances (i.e. change of address or contact phone number), contact Northern Team Leader Sally Corrigan on 9457 5308 or 0448 448 580, or email sally.corrigan@arafemi.org.au.