Mind Australia will continue to support Victorians experiencing mental health concerns thanks to a funding extension for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, first 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 to provide people with faster access to support.
On Monday 29 May 2023, the Victorian government announced a funding extension for 19 existing Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs for another 12 months while new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services are established.
This funding means Mind will continue providing support via the Hubs to people in Banyule, Nillumbik, Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Buloke, Gannawarra, Latrobe, Baw Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, South Gippsland, Wellington, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Boroondara, Hume and Merri-bek.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are available to Victorians of all ages who have any mental health and wellbeing concerns. They have been highly successful, providing care to more than 1,600 people across the state.
Belinda McCullough, Mind Executive Director Victorian Operations, said there is still a great need for free and accessible mental health support in the community even though COVID has moved from its pandemic phase.
“Historically, people have had to be unwell before they can access mental health services, but people can access the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs for varying levels of mental distress,” Ms McCullough said.
“There’s rental stress, cost of living stress, and a lot of people are contacting us who have never reached out for support before. There is a real layering of difficulty that is going on at the moment, so this funding allows us to continue with confidence, and continue supporting communities for the year ahead in what we all know is a challenging time.”