WHO WE ARE
Flying Free was created by survivors, for survivors. We pride ourselves on being guided by individuals with a lived experience of mistreatment and/or abuse from mental health and alcohol and other drug services.
Due to the recent expose of the Esther Foundation, a light has been shed on the extent of harm taking place in West Australian mental health and alcohol and other drug services.
With an unknown number of unregulated health providers treating the most vulnerable in our community, we are seeking understand the extend of this problem. We plan to expand our peer-support for survivors, continue our systemic advocacy and provide individual advocacy assistance.
WHAT WE DO
Peer Support - Individual Advocacy - Systemic Change
We engage in communication with politicians, government agencies, community service organisations, legal services, mental health services and more to advocate for systemic change within Western Australia's Mental health and Alcohol and other drug rehabilitation system. We collaborate with agencies, supporting victims to speak about their experiences, gain justice and psychological supports.
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By mid 2024 we expect to expand this work and begin providing 1-1 peer support to all survivors. This support will involve helping survivors both emotionally and practically report their experiences to the police or other government agencies. We are expecting to begin an online and in-person support group for survivors of abuse or mistreatment.
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In 2024 we are planning to begin our community consultation project. Interviewing, surveying and hearing from consumers of Mental Health and Alcohol and other drug treatment facilities in Western Australia. Aiming to understand the number of services in operation, the treatments taking place and the impact on consumers. We hope to use this information to guide government and the health sector while also learning what needs we can provide as a service.
Community Consultation
Conducting interviews, phone calls, surveys etc. with consumers . Understanding and reporting on the prevalence of mistreatment and what should be done to change the system and support survivors.
Arts Therapy
Individual and group arts therapy sessions. Sessions are run by a qualified arts therapist who also has a lived experience of abuse from a mental health and alcohol and other drug treatment facility.
Peer Advocacy
Peer support workers walking alongside survivors after mistreatment. Help with reporting their experiences, seeking psychological support, financial compensation etc.
Support Groups
Online and in-person peer support groups. Providing safety, validation, resources and guidance. Providing community connection, hope and empowerment.