Promoting the social in psychosocial recovery: Interviews with Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme participants

Abstract

Social connection is a central element in mental health recovery and has been found to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals. This study examines the experiences of social connectedness for people accessing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support for psychosocial disability. Interviews were conducted with eight NDIS participants. The study's findings suggest that people with psychosocial disabilities experience limited social connections and small social worlds. While NDIS support relationships were seen as important facilitators in increasing social engagement, these relationships may also limit opportunities for participants to extend their social connections beyond these professional support contacts. The impacts of participants' illnesses were identified as major barriers to establishing social connections and further research is needed to identify effective interventions that reduce social isolation in this population. This study highlights the role the NDIS can play in supporting social connection and inclusion for participants. Further consideration regarding the role of NDIS support relationships and NDIS-funded interventions in supporting the social connectedness of participants is needed.