Prahran Mission
Prahran Mission is a not-for-profit community services organisation in Prahran, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. It is largely focused on providing services for people living with mental illness, or in economic or social disadvantage. It operates under the auspice of UnitingCare Australia.
History
The Mission began in 1946 as the Prahran Methodist Mission, operating out of the building it still occupies in Chapel Street. At first it concentrated on charity work such as emergency relief and a low-cost cafe. Over the years more services were added, including free firewood for the elderly in 1955, an opportunity shop in 1960 and a meals on wheels service in 1963.
Union
When the Uniting Church in Australia was formed from, amongst others, the Methodist Church, the Mission came under the banner of UnitingCare Australia and operates under its guidelines today.
Mental health
During the 1980s, the Mission started concentrating on the needs of those with mental health issues. Although it kept its traditional community services programs going, new services were specifically catered to those living with mental illness. The Mission began its Second Story program, a Psycho-Social Rehabilitation program, based around participants meeting with a social worker and working towards living independently in the community.
Programs
Today, the Mission has more than 15 programs running across several sites in Prahran, South Yarra, Malvern and Mount Waverley. These include Aged Care Programs, Mothers Support, artists' studio space, Drop-In Centre, Cafe, Opportunity Shop and more. The Mission continues to concentrate on mental health services, and is funded largely by the Victorian Department of Human Services.
