Mind Australia is very pleased that the LGBTIQA+ Aftercare, Youth Outreach Recovery Support (YORS) and Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs programs have had their funding extended in the Victorian Budget, announced yesterday.
Mind recognises the leadership of the Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt, for her ongoing support for the sector and mental health funding in Victoria.
These Mind run services supporting LGBTIQA+ people, young people and local communities provide essential and often life-saving programs, for people who often are not able to find support elsewhere.
Gill Callister, CEO of Mind Australia, says: “I am so pleased the government has recognised the work done in these programs and that the people who are currently being supported through these programs will continue to receive the support they need – and that even more people will be able to be supported in the future.
“Community mental health programs save lives - and play an essential role in the mental health landscape. Funding community mental health programs makes individual, social and economic sense, both now and for years to come.
Mind Australia reiterated the one-of-a-kind nature of its Aftercare program supporting people who are LGBTIQA+ and are having thoughts or intentions of suicide. The peer-led support team, who are also members of the LGBTIQA+ community, bring lived experience and expertise to this innovative support program.
The Youth Outreach Recovery Support (YORS) program is an important, responsive program for young people who need persistent outreach and have fallen through the gaps of other mental health services. YORS is a program that demonstrates strong positive impact and fills a critical gap between larger, higher profile programs. It is the kind of innovative safety net that is essential for government to fund in our mental health system.
Mind is likewise encouraged that the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs and Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals have been recognised in this year’s budget, in line with the recommendations from the Royal Commission. The charity reiterated the need for the roll-out of the Royal Commission to continue in the coming years, so that having access to mental health support didn’t depend on where people live.
Gill Callister continued: “The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs and Locals are making a clear difference in communities across Victoria, but it’s imperative that everyone can access support and care when it’s needed, and where it’s needed, as per the recommendations from the Royal Commission.
“When people come to our programs they’re having a tough time, perhaps the toughest they’ve ever had – this commitment from the Government makes it possible for us to welcome them with an open door and an open mind, so we can support them to heal.”