People in the Bendigo, Echuca, Dandenong and Melton areas can now access treatment, care and support from their new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals.
The new services are delivered in these areas by Mind Australia. They are among the nine new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals that began service provision this week, announced by the Victorian Government.
Mind peer practitioners and community mental health practitioners are providing wellbeing support during business hours via telehealth and telephone services (see numbers below).
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals support Victorians aged 26 years and over to get mental health and wellbeing treatment, care and support closer to home. This includes anyone experiencing mental health and substance use concerns at the same time.
All support is free, voluntary and easy to access, and you do not need a referral from your doctor to access help.
Alongside Mind’s person-centred support services, people will be able to access support from key regional health organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations and a variety of other targeted support organisations including LGBTIQA+ support across all regions from Thorne Harbour Health.
Bringing together each partner organisation’s expertise means the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals can provide specialised, informed and understanding support for the broadest range of people and local community needs.
Mind’s qualified staff at these Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals will focus on listening and understanding your concerns so they can work with you and, if you are comfortable, your family, carers and supporters, to design a care plan that meets your goals and preferences. This may involve connecting you to other health and social services if you need them.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals will also provide education and support to families, carers and supporters of individuals experiencing mental illness and/or substance use challenges.