After years in mental health across the UK, working in forensic, crisis, acute, rehab and military settings, John Chacksfield found his passion in supporting people with complex needs in secure care. John will now lead the Allied Health team at the new Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU), to bring the facility’s vision to life.
To kick things off, tell us about your career journey…
I’ve worked as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Manager in the UK across high, medium and low secure forensic mental health services, crisis, personality disorders, general mental health, military, and dual diagnosis settings.
After moving to Australia two years ago, I worked with the NDIS in Sydney but remained passionate about supporting people with severe, complex mental health needs in secure settings. The SMHRU role excited me as a chance to apply my skills and help create one of Australia’s leading rehabilitation services.
What attracted you to the SMHRU?
What drew me to the SMHRU was the opportunity to be part of a team building something from the ground up.
I’ve been involved in similar projects in the UK, managing rehabilitation services and setting up an allied health service for a medium secure unit and a forensic mental health community hostel, so I knew this was right up my alley.
Plus, the chance to live in Queensland and experience a new part of Australia was an exciting bonus.
What is your vision as Allied Health Lead for the SMHRU?
Allied Health will be key in supporting recovery at the SMHRU. My focus is on creating a compassionate, person-centred service with a mix of one-on-one and group therapies tailored to individual needs. This is an opportunity to redefine rehabilitation — moving beyond the acute ward model to a truly multidisciplinary approach, working alongside peer workers and, most importantly, our patients. Our goal is to help people regain independence and transition safely back into the community.
What will rehab-focused care to patients at the SMHRU look like?
The SMHRU isn’t just about crisis management – it’s about real, meaningful support through group and individual interventions to help people move forward. Each person will have a personalised Allied Health plan, a recovery portfolio and structured group sessions to build confidence and skills for community life.
Our Allied Health team will provide cognitive behavioural interventions to help patients develop coping strategies and process trauma. For those with severe, long-term needs, we’ll ensure the right support for their transition, working closely with community mental health teams and NDIS services.
What are some of the challenges you anticipate in this role, and how do you plan to address them?
Starting a new role always comes with its challenges, especially when building a new service from the ground up. We have a fantastic and highly supportive multidisciplinary leadership team and together we’ll work through any challenges to create a service that truly makes a difference.
What do you do to look after your own mental health?
I make it a priority to maintain a good work-life balance and stick to my coping strategies. Whether it’s going for a walk, painting, or practicing mindfulness meditation. Coffee helps too!