The state government has announced an additional $22 million to deliver fast-tracked care for people struggling with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding was announced last week on top of the $225 million the state government has already provided to support Victorians’ mental health throughout the pandemic.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said that from the latest round of funding, $13.3 million would be spent on 20 pop-up community mental health services, with around 90 clinicians to provide 93,000 additional hours of wellbeing checks and counselling to the thousands of Victorians needing support.
The pop-up centres, to be delivered by community health providers such as cohealth and EACH, will open progressively from the end of September across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a dedicated triage and referral hotline and website to be established so that people can start booking appointments.
Mercy Health will partner with community health provider Breakthru to deliver the new mental health services in the municipalities Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
Breakthru, a national not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering people to create their own futures, has bases in Melton and St Albans.
It helps people with mental health, employment, disability, homelessness and training needs, including specialist programs for those facing the challenge of an intensive mental health illness, a disability or physical health issue.
Mr Merlino said that the state government was also delivering the reforms recommended by the 2019 Royal Commission for the state’s mental health services.
“But we know the pandemic has increased immediate demand, so we’re investing to make sure more Victorians have access to the support they need right now,” Mr Merlino said.
“Our local communities have been so vital in supporting us over the past 18 months – and these innovative local pop-up mental health services will deliver the support people need, close to home.”
For assistance contact the Mental Health Foundation Australia helpline on 1300 643 287 (1300 MHF AUS), Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or Headspace on 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au.
