Mind Australia, Bundaberg Step Up Step Down residents can now relieve anxiety and stress thanks to the funding of a Bundaberg Regional Council Community Grant.
The local organisation received a grant of $1800 in October to purchase a massage chair to support clients through meditation.
Service manager Bre Williams said the massage chair was added to the sensory room and had helped residents greatly.
“This has benefited the residents since the minute it was functional,” Bre said.
“Residents have lined up and used this chair for the purpose of relieving anxiety, depression, and pure relaxation.
“The room also has mindfulness music playing and it is used for tai chi and yoga.”
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Grants aim to provide assistance to local community groups or organisations who make positive contributions to the quality of life in the region.
Bre said without the support from the Community Grant the organisation would not have been able to purchase the massage chair.
“Mind Australia is a non-for-profit organisation that functions throughout Australia working in mental health and disability services,” she said.
“This particular site here at Step Up Step Down works in collaboration with Queensland Health to provide therapeutic support for those in recovery regarding mental health issues/diagnosis.”
Residents stay at the Bundaberg Step Up Step Down service after a referral from Queensland Health, with the focus of introducing them back into community after a stay in Bundaberg Impatient Mental Health Unit (MHU).
Bre said the service was also used as a support system so a resident did not have to attend the MHU.
“Step Up Step Down is a 28-day recovery services that accommodates 10 residents at a time,” Bre said.
“Here we provide a safe, homely environment providing two psycho education groups per day – including a gym program and now the massage chair addition to our sensory room.
“Residents are provided with workbooks upon entry that have all (the) relevant information for the groups that they are able to complete and take home with them as part of their support network.
“During their stay assessments are completed that may identify additional support services that we as a team, with consent, will engage (with) the resident for ongoing support upon their exit from the program.”
Bundaberg Step Up Step Down is a free service to support community members.
Bre said residents were provided with a single room that has an ensuite, air conditioning and smart television.
She said there were also nightly in-house activities and weekend activities for those who remain onsite over the weekend.
To find out more about Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Grants click here.
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