8 minute read

December- January is the so-called holiday season but it’s not always fun for everyone.

It can mean greater feelings of loneliness and isolation for people who don’t spend it with family or friends, or family conflicts for people who do. For many, the holiday season means extra financial difficulties.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services are a great support option for people who are struggling with all kinds of challenges and distress. They support Victorians aged 26 years and over to get mental health and wellbeing care and support closer to home. All support is free, voluntary and easy to access, and you do not need a referral from your doctor to access help. Mind Australia manages Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services in Melton, Greater Dandenong and the Greater Bendigo, Loddon Campaspe region.

“Many people are struggling financially and having trouble affording things like food,” says Nahisha Williams Wynne. Nahisha is the Service Operations Manager at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local for the Melton area. “We are also supporting older adults who are experiencing loss, grief and isolation.”

Nahisha says the Local is a unique service.

“When someone calls the Local service, that first call is the doorway to connecting with the person, learning what is going on for them and building a relationship with them. 

“It’s not about us telling them what we think they need but outlining what services we provide and they decide what is useful for them,” she says.

Because our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges they really understand.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are staffed by qualified peer practitioners, who understand what people are going through.

“I think a lot of people who call us feel heard and listened to in a way they may not have experienced before,” Nahisha says, “Our staff aren’t just ticking boxes on a checklist. Because our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges they really understand.”

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Melton provides telephone and telehealth, with outreach by appointment. Nahisha says the local library has been a popular place for people to have appointments as an alternative to coming to their home.

People can call or email the Local service nearest them and get support navigating services, specialist support for issues with alcohol and other drugs, or just have a chat about something on their mind.

“Some people only feel the need to make a single call, others want more support,” Nahisha says.

Alongside Mind’s person-led 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.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are funded by the Victorian Government.

How to access your Mental Health and Wellbeing Local   

For free local support: 

  • Dandenong, call: 0389 081 800 
  • Melton, call: 0387 323 200
  • Bendigo, call: 0354 975 600
  • Echuca, call: 0354 126 600 

People can also call 1800 332 501 to be connected with support in these areas. 

If you need help in your language, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter, then ask to be connected to a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local on 1300 375 330. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are not crisis services. In an emergency which is life-threatening or where there is immediate risk of harm to anyone, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN on 13 92 76. 13 YARN is a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.