Marcus had a sudden increase in emergency department presentations and hospital admissions after his partner left him and he lost his job within a three day period.
However through the Choices program he was able to access immediate relief through shopping vouchers, liaising with Centrelink, advocating on his behalf to a property agency to wipe rent arrears, as well as providing emotional support.
Since engaging with Choices, Marcus has not attended hospital, started a Certificate IV in Mental Health and Peer Work, has improved his diet and is focusing on self-care.
The Choices program is now set to expand to the Peel Health Campus to help people suffering mentally like Marcus.
The first program of its kind in Western Australia, Choices connects vulnerable people at risk of poor health outcomes with culturally sensitive social and mental health support upon discharge from hospital emergency departments.
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Ruah chief executive officer Debra Zanella said she was delighted to see the program expanded to the Peel region.
"We know that social isolation, harmful substance use, family breakdown, homelessness, trauma and domestic violence are among the factors that contribute to frequent emergency department presentations," she said.
"Choices is premised on identifying and addressing these underlying and inter-related needs and is a great example of how peer engagement, individualised support and flexibility can help those at risk of poor health outcomes in our community."
Choices was developed in response to substantial evidence of the over-representation of people with multiple health and social needs presenting to emergency departments.
Since launching in late 2017, the Choices program has used peer and case workers to connect with thousands of people and offer supportive intervention through drawing on their lived experience in similar situations.
WA Primary Health Alliance commissioned services general manager Mark Cockayne said the unique program would address individual needs.
"We know that care centered around individual needs and preferences helps those at risk of poor health outcomes establish a safe connection back into the community."
The Choices program is expected to launch at the Peel Health Campus in the 21/22 financial year.
