Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect

Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect supports family members, carers, kin and supporters of people with mental health and/or substance use challenges. 

The service is delivered in partnership between Mind Australia, Ballarat Community Health and Grampians Community Health.

It services the Wimmera and Central highlands sub-regions. 

About the service  

The Connect centre is a warm and welcoming space that provides people with the vital networks they need to keep caring for their loved one while still looking after their own wellbeing.

Families, carers, kin and supporters of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

Support is free and no referral is needed to access a Connect centre. 

The staff at Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect also have a lived experience of supporting someone with mental health and/or substance use challenges. They can relate to your experience and provide informed support.

They can listen and connect you to tailored information, resources, advocacy, counselling, individual and group-based support, and access to brokerage funds through Tandem’s Carer Support Fund.

Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is also a great place to make new social connections.

Support is currently available over the phone. Once fully established, services will be available through walk-in, phone, online and outreach services. Walk-in services will be available at Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect in Ballarat and satellite sites in mid-2024. 

This service is funded by the Department of Health.    

Who is the service for?  

Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is for family members, carers, kin and supporters of all ages and backgrounds who are living in the Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moorabool, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack local government areas.   

How do I access the service?  

To find out more about Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect, call 1800 962 008 or email: [email protected]     

You do not need a Medicare card or a referral to access this free support.     

Why choose Mind, Ballarat Community Health and Grampians Community Health for family and carer supports?  

Mind Australia  

Mind Australia supports people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns to find help, hope and purpose in their lives.  

We have been providing mental health and wellbeing support to people, and their families, friends and carers, for more than 45 years.   

We understand that every individual’s journey to a life of meaning and purpose is unique, which is why our services are flexible and offer genuine choice and control.  

Some of our family members, carers, kin and support staff have their own experience caring for someone with mental ill-health.   

We are a leading employer of people with lived experience, recognising their unique ability to connect with participants.  

Ballarat Community Health   

Ballarat Community Health (BCH) provides a wide range of primary health care, community based mental health and alcohol and other drug services and social supports.  Our purpose is to ensure that people can access quality health care, no matter their circumstances. We know everyone is different and we work with the community wherever possible to create consumer-led and informed services, ensuring more effective care for individuals and their needs.  

Grampians Community Health   

Grampians Community Health (GCH) is a leading community health provider, delivering a broad range of health care, therapeutic and community support services in the Pyrenees, Grampians and Wimmera Southern Mallee. GCH aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in our region and create strong, healthy, thriving, and connected communities.  Our broad range of support services are provided in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where each person’s culture, beliefs, values, gender identity and capacity are valued. GCH is a local NDIS and My Aged Care provider.