The Group Program (sometimes called the 'Psychosocial Recovery Program') works with young people who are coming to Orygen to work towards recovery goals that they have. These goals might be around getting back into work or study, developing new coping skills, getting more socially active, getting more confident or learning to manage challenging situations.
Groups are a part of the treatment options on offer at Orygen. When someone is involved in the group program, the group workers will also have contact with their case manager, to make sure that they can make the groups the most helpful that they can possibly be for you.
As well as offering groups, we can also provide you with support to get your education, training, or employment back on track. Just ask your Case Manager or group worker if you're interested in employment or education services.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN GROUPS?
People who want to get involved in the group program can ask their case manager to refer them. They can also refer themselves. Sometimes the Inpatient Unit staff will make a referral to the group program as well.
When a referral has been made, a group worker will contact you to make a time to meet with you.
When you meet with a group worker, they will want to hear a little bit about where things are at for you, and how you think groups might be interesting or helpful. They will be able to tell you quite a bit about the different groups available, and how those groups might support your recovery.
They will contact you to invite you to particular groups. Some people do one group, for one school term (about ten weeks). Some people build up and do three or four groups a week. It all depends on what they’re working towards in their recovery, and what’s a good match for them.
GROUP TIMETABLE
Our group timetable runs to school terms, so each group runs for roughly ten weeks. At any time, we try to offer a wide variety of groups. They might include creative groups (like music and art), healthy lifestyle groups (like sports, or like trying different relaxation techniques, or like learning to cope with depression), social groups (like hanging out and being around other people) and educational and training groups (like catering and horticulture.) We update our timetable every term. You can check the noticeboard in the corridor for a copy of the timetable, ask your case manager, or ask at reception. If there’s something that you think we should offer and don’t seem to—ask! We're always making up new groups for people to get involved in.