4 minute read

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.” 

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.
- Belinda McCullough, Mind Executive Director Victorian Operations

Belinda McCullough, Mind Australia Executive Director Victorian Operations, discusses the funding extension for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs on ABC Central Victoria Radio.

Mind has also received funding from the Victorian government to provide an additional six months of mental health support to people in Echuca, Rochester, Elmore and Bendigo impacted by the devastating floods in Central Victoria late last year. 

This follows the initial surge funding the Victorian government provided in October 2022 to support people impacted by the disaster as part of a $4.4 million Victorian government mental health support package.  

Since the floods occurred, Mind has provided emotional and practical support to more than 500 impacted residents across Elmore, Rochester, and Bridgewater including outreach to displaced residents living in temporary accommodation at the Elmore Events Centre site and at the Centre for National Resilience in Mickleham.    

More than 80 residents in these flood-affected areas continue to rely on regular mental health support from Mind for conditions ranging from depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and social isolation and disconnection.    

The service – delivered via the local Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub - is also linking people to financial assistance, and homelessness and housing services.  

“The floods were nearly eight months ago but the impact on these communities still remains. This funding from the Victorian government enables us to continue supporting people as they rebuild their lives and manage their mental health and wellbeing,” Ms McCullough said.  

To access Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs services call 1300 375 330. 

If this article raises immediate concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.