What is the Personal Support Programme (PSP)?
People eligible for the PSP deserve individualised attention because of their difficult circumstances. They may face homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, psychological disorders, domestic violence or other significant barriers to participation. The PSP acts as a bridge between short-term crisis assistance and employment-related assistance.
MatchWorks helps participants work towards economic or social outcomes. Economic outcomes can include transferring to work programmes, study and vocational training. Social outcomes include stabilised circumstances, increased community engagement, stable accommodation or improved life skills.
How does PSP help?
PSP helps you deal with personal circumstances that can include:
- homelessness
- drug or alcohol problems
- severe psychological conditions or mental issues
- personality disorders - including anger management issues
- mood disorders-including depression
- anxiety disorders-including agoraphobia and panic attacks
- torture or trauma or other stress disorders
- gambling problems
- domestic violence
- financial management problems
- physical or intellectual disability
- social isolation/alienation
- poor communication/language skills
- long-term unemployment
- isolation, and
- ethnic or racial discrimination
PSP offers:
- counselling and personal support - including guidance, help, encouragement, building self-esteem and confidence
- referral and advocacy - helping to link you into your local community and to access services
- practical support - for instance, help to attend interviews or with transport
- outreach activities - helping you to set goals and plans, monitor your progress and work out when you are ready to move.
Through PSP you can:
- meet your activity requirements by participating in PSP if you are on activity tested payments
- get help that matches your abilities, capacity and circumstances
- get help moving from PSP to employment or employment assistance, particularly Job Network and Disability Employment Network or Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- keep your income support payment, which stays the same while you are on the programme
- call MatchWorks whenever you need help and support, and
- leave the programme before two years to study, get a job, start an apprenticeship or move to employment assistance.
How does PSP work?
PSP is delivered by MatchWorks. MatchWorks has excellent knowledge of and connection to the local community, as well as the capacity to work with other organisations that help with a range of personal difficulties.
How do people get into PSP?
People are assessed for referral to PSP by a Job Capacity Assessment provider. If you are identified as a potential PSP participant by Centrelink or MatchWorks, you will be referred to a Job Capacity Assessment provider for assessment.
What happens at the end of my two years on the programme?
One of the main aims of PSP is helping you find the ongoing support you will need after the programme. If after completing PSP, you go back to Centrelink, a new Activity Agreement will be developed with you to match your needs and circumstances. Centrelink will refer you to a Job Capacity Assessment provider to work out your next steps towards employment.
For more information on the PSP contact MatchWorks or view the PSP brochure.