MENTAL health organisation Mind Australia will continue to support people in Gippsland experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns thanks to a funding extension for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in Cowes, Traralgon and Wonthaggi.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, funded by the Victorian government in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, act as a ‘front door’ service to the mental health system. The Hubs in Gippsland have been funded until at least June 2023.
Mind mental health practitioners have provided more than 1000 hours of support to more than 50 people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns across Baw Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellington shires, as well as the City of Latrobe.
Research from Mind shows the Hubs are helping people reduce psychological distress and feel significantly less sad, nervous and restless.
Mind Hubs service manager, Rebecca Matheson Omondi, said Hub staff were helping people in Gippsland struggling with their mental health for a variety of reasons, including housing insecurity and cost of living pressures (including financial stress and inability to purchase food).
Staff have also been supporting students during the school holidays who are currently unable to access school-based welfare teams.
“The Hubs are making a real difference in the community, and are removing a lot of the barriers to a very complex system,” Ms Matheson Omondi said.
“People can self-refer and there is no eligibility criteria. You don’t need a referral from your GP – you can ring up and be connected to a Mind support worker.”
Mind Australia chief executive, Gill Callister, said the Victorian government was to be commended for recognising the value of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in providing the community with fast and flexible support. “Accessible community-based support like this can make all the difference in helping people address problems before they reach crisis point and hospitalisation,” Ms Callister said.
Mind is the largest service provider of the Hubs, managing 13 of the 30 Hubs across Victoria, including the Hub in Gippsland.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are available to Victorians of all ages who have any mental health or wellbeing concerns. The Hubs act as a ‘front door’ service to the mental health system. People can get support without any eligibility criteria or a referral from their GP. Mind-managed Hubs provide a blend of face-to-face support in the community and at operational hubs and telehealth, in line with client preferences. To access Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs services call 1300 375 330 or visit the Mind website.
