Positive Wellness Recovery Centre (PWRC)
Shifting Paradigms From Mental Illness To Wellness

The increased recognition of mental health’s importance has sparked an essential shift from a focus solely on mental illness to an embrace of wellness. This change highlights the advantages of early intervention in mental health care—a practice that has become even more crucial since the global pandemic. An increasing number of people are now recognising the value of early professional support, understanding that timely assistance can prevent situations from escalating to crisis levels, fostering a healthier, more resilient community.

The Positive Wellness Recovery Centre (PWRC) is at the forefront of this shift, actively promoting holistic mental wellness and recovery through its comprehensive wellness programs.

“We are changing the paradigm of mental illness to mental wellness by creating opportunities for mental health improvement,” states Dr. Francis Acquah AM, Clinical Director and Founder.

An Australia-based well-being clinic, PWRC assists individuals with disabilities, mental health issues and behavioural difficulties through a blend of psychosocial recovery coaching, positive behaviour support and personalized counselling. Focusing on prevention and early intervention alongside holistic recovery, this proactive approach addresses immediate needs and contributes to a broader cultural shift, redefining mental health as an integral element of overall well-being.

In the journey to empower clients, PWRC adopts an integrative, client-centered methodology. The centre’s team of wellness experts recommends various activities that promote stress reduction and a balanced, healthy lifestyle. From engaging in exercise and music to pursuing hobbies, these recreational pursuits are pivotal in helping individuals find their balance and wheel for life.

Holistic Approach to Mental Health Care

Near-catastrophic events like the COVID-19 pandemic have shed light on the fragility of mental health across the globe.

Despite increased awareness, the stigma surrounding mental health persists, leading to underreporting and reluctance to seek help. Marginalized communities face significant barriers to accessing mental health services, leading to a higher number of untreated cases.

As a community-centered organisation, PWRC tackles these challenges by offering a holistic approach to mental health care. It provides comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs that ensure inclusivity and accessibility. PWRC evaluates clients’ relationships with family, neighbours, colleagues and community members to enhance meaningful connections and nurture a supportive network vital for a sense of belonging.

Integrating Preventive Care and Substance Abuse Education
PWRC emphasizes the importance of regular medical checkups and educates clients about the benefits of sufficient rest and the negative impacts of excessive screen time on sleep. The centre also addresses substance abuse through targeted drug and alcohol education and youth support programs, including detoxification and rehabilitation initiatives.

For instance, Project Sunrise delivers critical alcohol and other drugs (AOD) education and outreach services to African Australian youth and families across Melbourne. Programs like Mental Health First Aid training and the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre equip individuals with the skills to proactively manage their mental health and prevent crises.

Fostering Community, Economic and Spiritual Well-Being

Understanding the importance of stable living conditions for mental wellness, PWRC offers programs like Supported Independent Living (SIL) to help individuals maintain their independence while receiving the necessary care.

Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), PWRC supports people with disabilities. The government-funded program provides access to resources and comprehensive care.

Beyond traditional counselling and support services, PWRC incorporates contemporary treatments and initiatives like RAPFIRST, ‘Drumming and Dancing for Your Life’ and ‘Fundi Homework Group’ that allow individuals to engage with others and avoid isolation. For instance, a client-led meet-up group has grown to over 120 members who share meals, visit cinemas and theatres and participate in sporting events.

Economic stability is another facet of PWRC’s holistic approach to well-being. The team guides clients in balancing their finances, managing expenses and planning recreational activities and vacations. By teaching practical strategies, it enables individuals–even those on low incomes or disability support pensions–to achieve financial stability and enjoy life experiences, such as travel.

PWRC also focuses on spirituality, going beyond religious practices to help individuals discover their sense of self and respect for others.

“Spirituality is not necessarily about going to places of worship, but about who we are and how we respect each other. I am probably one of the most acculturated dressers you can meet. My dress also speaks volumes about who I am. This helps people to engage with me and find their own spiritual activities,” says Acquah.

To offer more personalized and effective care, increase process efficiency and streamline workflows, PWRC has partnered with VRTU to incorporate virtual reality (VR) therapy into their care model. This technology will be used to create therapeutic environments for relaxation and personal growth. Cost-benefit analyses will be conducted to ensure these investments are effective. PWRC plans to expand its wellness hub with natured based activities like gardening and photography, aiming to improve mental health through connection with nature.
Beyond supporting individuals, PWRC is creating specialized workshops tailored for businesses. These sessions will address workplace mental health issues and foster a supportive environment. To ensure accessibility, these workshops will be conducted online for companies that cannot host in-person events. This expands PWRC’s reach and equips organizations around the world with essential tools and strategies to cultivate a mentally healthy workplace.

A Patient-Centric Journey to Wellness

At PWRC, the journey to wellness starts with an initial appointment, but instead of the usual clinical notes, it delves into personal narratives. This paves the way for a care model that truly centres on the patient.

Its approach revolves around a foundational belief that clients are the real experts on their experiences. By encouraging them to share their stories, the team gains a deep understanding of each individual’s unique challenges. The PWRC’s team, with a touch of humour and warmth, ensures that each assessment is both insightful and engaging.

This depth of understanding is further enhanced by a comprehensive life skills questionnaire. The questionnaire explores various facets of the client’s life—from family history and past health issues to ongoing treatments and current medications. Crucially, it focuses on current symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, phobias, or obsessive thoughts, providing a detailed snapshot of the client’s current condition.

“Given our approach isn’t prescriptive,” says Acquah, “we focus on relaxation and reconnecting with nature to help individuals establish a daily routine that supports their overall wellness.”

By prioritizing the client’s voice and comprehensive wellness strategies, PWRC empowers individuals to reclaim their lives. This model of care ensures that every client feels heard, understood, and supported on their path to mental wellness.

Diversity and Multiculturalism at Work

At the heart of PWRC’s success are the rich backgrounds of its team members. As a multicultural, multilingual organization, it thrives by leveraging its members’ diverse skills and experiences to enhance the quality of care for clients from various cultural backgrounds.

Acquah, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in mental health care and transcultural projects, leads PWRC with visionary leadership. His efforts have earned him the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to mental health advocacy, particularly for refugees and immigrants.

Supporting him is a diverse team of professionals, including General Manager Rosol Alamiree, Head of IT and Compliance Akwele Acquah, Services Manager and HR Raghav Satija, Operations Manager Ebony Acquah, Behavioral Support Practitioner Pankhuri Sharma, Support Coordinators Anjana Panta Shrestha and Jesse Lozanovski and Administrative Support Specialist Madhubanti Sanyal.
PWRC’s support staff, numbering over 50 professionals, exhibit empathy, effective communication, professionalism and adaptability. They foster a welcoming atmosphere in all centers, ensuring that every client feels valued and supported on their journey to wellness. Students and volunteers add enthusiasm and fresh perspectives, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Together, their collective expertise and dedication fuel PWRC’s mission to deliver personalized and comprehensive mental health and wellness services to all.

Transformative Vision for Redefining Well-Being

PWRC is charting a comprehensive roadmap to drive a journey to redefined community mental and physical well-being.

Recognizing the growing demand for mental health support and specialized services, the organisation plans to establish new branch, form strategic partnerships and diversifying revenue streams.

Enhancing customer service remains a top priority, with plans to implement regular feedback mechanisms and ongoing staff training. PWRC’s commitment to mental health research and advocacy will further elevate its impact through collaborations with academic institutions and participation in conferences and advocacy talks.

At the core of PWRC’s vision is the integration of mental and physical well-being into community life, centered around its Kalkallo Wellness Hub.

A key initiative is the establishment of supported disability accommodations (SDA) under the NDIS framework, a dedicated wellness and sensory facility, and new sports and recreation areas. Community participation will be bolstered through events, workshops, and programs that foster inclusivity and holistic well-being, strengthening community bonds and support networks.

PWRC stands at the forefront of an ambitious and noble mission—to harmonize mental and physical well-being within the community fabric. By expanding its reach, enhancing service quality and fostering inclusive environments, it aims to meet the immediate needs of its community and set a new standard for wellness care. With every step forward, the centre reinforces its commitment to creating a healthier, brighter future, where wellbeing is not just a goal but a continuous journey.

PWRC is inviting potential investors to join this transformative journey and help develop vital community infrastructure. “Together, we can create lasting impacts and foster a brighter future for individuals and communities,” concludes Acquah.