Affiliations: Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, Fairfield,
Australia | School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health
Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ben Rinaudo, Peer Support Worker,
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, 276 Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield, 3078,
Australia. Tel.: +61 3848 64264; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Supported education programs aim to facilitate the successful return
to higher education for people living with mental illness who may have
experienced educational interruptions due to their illness. This article shares
the story of Ben who lives with mental illness and his experience of
participating in an Australian supported education course. The two authors draw
on a qualitative life history approach as they reflected on Ben's experiences
of mental illness, educational disruption and returning to education and
employment. The losses associated with educational disruption and the positive
and empowering experience of becoming a student again are described as
positively impacting recovery. Ben's story is shared in anticipation that other
people living with mental illness, their family and carers, or workers
supporting those people, may draw from his determination and success, in their
own journeys of recovery.
