Connect - Mount Gambier

Mind Australia’s Connect program is an alternative to hospitalisation and Emergency Department presentations for people experiencing mental distress and/or suicidality in the Limestone Coast region. These support services are delivered face-to-face, by telephone or via a digital online program.  

About Connect – Mount Gambier

This service is for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues that require intensive supports. Connect – Mount Gambier provides a more appropriate alternative to an Emergency Department for people in mental distress and relieves pressure on South Australia’s overburdened hospital and ambulance services.

Connect – Mount Gambier participants are supported to develop the skills to better manage their mental health challenges in the community, reducing the likelihood of future crisis and hospitalisations.

The program is delivered by a peer workforce which provides support for up to 12 weeks.

Peer practitioners work with individuals and their families to establish relationships with key service providers to ensure an integrated suite of supports are available to meet their identified needs.  

Who is Connect – Mount Gambier for?  

Connect is for people aged 16 and above who:

• live in the Limestone Coast Local Health Network
• are experiencing high levels of distress and or suicidality
• have presented to an Emergency Department for mental distress and been identified as someone who would benefit from peer support in the community
• are an inpatient at a hospital but could be discharged if additional community supports were available
• are referred by Mental Health First Responders and South Australia Ambulance Service following assessment in the community
• are referred by a GP.

Connect is funded by South Australia Department of Health and Wellbeing.  

How do I register my interest for Connect – Mount Gambier?

Clients can access Connect – Mount Gambier via the pathways identified above. The program is free to eligible people and anyone can refer.

For more information about Connect call 1300 286 463.   

Why choose Mind for psychosocial support? 

Mind Australia supports people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns to find help, hope and purpose in their lives. We provide individualised, evidence-based and recovery focused support to more than 11,000 people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns in Australia every year. 

We partner with health, community, and government organisations to provide holistic support and a safe environment for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns to live in the community. We have been providing mental health and wellbeing support to people, and their families, friends and carers, for more than 45 years. 

We are one of the largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services in Australia with a range of residential, mobile outreach, centre-based and online services. 

Psychosocial supports – like the kind provided by Mind Australia – help people with mental health and wellbeing issues manage daily activities, rebuild and maintain connections, engage with education and employment, and participate fully in the community. These are supports which help people take positive steps in their recovery journey. 

What do our Connect clients say?