What psychosocial support means

At Avivo, our mission is simple: to help people live well in their own community, with the right, practical, and individualised support around them. 

For us, psychosocial support is at the heart of that. It’s practical, person-centered support for people whose mental health affects their everyday life, confidence, routines or connection with others.  

What psychosocial support actually means 

When we talk about psychosocial support we’re simply referring to:  

Practical, non-clinical mental health support that helps people to live well, stay confident and connected, and thrive in their community. 

The term combines three parts: 

• ‘psycho’ relates to mental health and emotional wellbeing 

• ‘social’ relates to connection, relationships and community 

• ‘support’ is the practical help that makes daily life more manageable. 

It’s the kind of support that helps people manage life when mental health challenges make day-to-day life harder. 

What does this look like in practice? 

At Avivo, psychosocial support is delivered through our Psychosocial Support Program, funded by the WA Mental Health Commission. 

This program provides personalised, non-clinical support for people aged 18 to 65 living with a mental health condition that affects daily life. 

It complements clinical mental health services, focusing instead on strengths, goals, and connection to community. 

What’s included in our Psychosocial Support Program

Our program is flexible and person-centred, with support tailored to each individual’s recovery journey. 

It can help people: 

• build life skills and confidence 

• manage mental health alongside daily routines 

• connect with community, education, and employment opportunities 

• maintain relationships with family and friends 

• access housing and other support services. 

Together, we co-create a support plan that evolves as needs and goals change over time. 

If you’re new to support services, are exploring your options, or considering a change in provider, we’re here to guide you through the process. Learn more about Mental Health Commission funding.  

How support works day-to-day 

At Avivo, our Support Workers provide a range of practical mental health supports that give people freedom to keep living independently and safely in their community.  

This might include help with routines, developing life skills like budgeting or transport, attending appointments, reconnecting with community activities, or working towards study or employment goals. 

• For some people, it’s about getting through daily routines with more ease. 

• For others, it’s about rebuilding confidence after a period of withdrawal or overwhelm. 

• And for many, it’s about having steady support while working towards personal recovery goals. 

How connection plays a part 

Psychosocial support is about rebuilding connection – to people, places, and everyday life. 

At Avivo, we understand how quickly confidence can change when mental health is impacted, and how important it is to have support that helps gently bridge that gap. 

This includes reconnecting with community, strengthening relationships, and building the confidence to take part in everyday activities again. 

Because feeling connected – and feeling like you belong – is central to wellbeing. 

Avivo’s local Support Workers make a difference 

We believe effective support starts with strong relationships. That’s why having a consistent Support Worker who knows you, your routines, and your preferences matters. 

Seeing the same familiar face each week means you don’t have to start over or re-explain the little things – support feels easier, more natural, and more comfortable over time. 

It also means there’s more space for what really matters: conversation and getting on with the day together. Now that’s good psychosocial support. 

Our Support Workers are also local to the communities they work in. That means they understand the area, the services, and little things like where to get a good coffee. 

With over 80 neighbourhood teams across WA, our support is grounded in local connection – people supporting people in the communities they share. 

This local knowledge helps make support feel more personal, more familiar, and more connected to everyday life. 

At Avivo, we’re a community-first organisation. We believe in local connection — locals supporting locals, with familiar faces who understand you. 

At its core 

Psychosocial support is about helping people live well in their community with the right support beside them. 

It’s practical, human, and focused on what matters most to each person – independence, connection, and a life that feels possible again. 

At Avivo, we believe recovery is enhanced by everyday support that helps people move forward in a way that feels right for them. 

If you’d like clarity on this kind of mental health support or want someone to talk through your situation with, get in touch with our team today.