Support from his local Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub has helped Chris manage his chronic pain, improve his mental wellbeing and connect more with his community.
The 63-year-old from Truganina (Victoria) has experienced many physical and mental health challenges over the past few years, including broken bones, multiple cancer diagnoses, depression and suicidal thoughts. Because Chris is prone to falling, he tends to stay at home, which has also led to him becoming isolated.
“Once I stood in the middle of the road at night waiting and hoping for a car to hit me. I was only thinking about myself but I was in such pain,” he said.
Chris, who is of Malaysian heritage, says there is a cultural stigma attached to mental health that stopped him – and other people from southeast Asian communities – from reaching out for support.
Eventually, when enough was enough, he reached out to his local Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub for help. Hubs provide fast access to targeted, short-term psychosocial support. Their qualified and experienced practitioners support people to manage their mental health and wellbeing by providing a holistic and recovery-oriented approach.
People experiencing mental health challenges can receive Hub support over-the-phone or in-person. Some Hubs also offer recreational group activities so that service users can connect with others while learning important life and social skills.
“At our Tarneit wellbeing group we talk and share. I’ve learnt about mindfulness and breathing exercises to help me concentrate and focus better. I’m learning new skills all the time and I’ve become better at managing my emotions and how to care for myself,” Chris said.
“Hubs help people like me to engage slowly and at our pace. We can come out and meet other people and know that we are supported. If not for the Hubs I’d be alone. I still live with a lot of pain but I don’t get overwhelmed as much.”
Chris says he has unsuccessfully applied for NDIS support several times. His Hubs support worker continues to help him navigate the NDIS application process. As well as supporting people to manage their psychological distress, the Hubs support people with important practical matters like navigating NDIS, Centrelink, the justice system and other things that that have an impact on their psychological stress.
Chris’s experience is an example of how important services like the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are for people experiencing mental health challenges and/or a psychosocial disability who aren’t supported by the NDIS.
Mind currently delivers the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in Abbotsford, Coburg North, Cowes, Footscray, Greensborough, Omeo, Werribee and Wonthaggi.
In the past 12 months, Mind Hubs have supported more than 2,000 people across 14 Local Government Areas throughout Victoria.
Mind CEO Gill Callister says the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs face an uncertain future with their current funding due to end in June 2025.
“In the middle of a cost of living crisis it is important that Victorians have access to free mental health support. The average out of pocket cost for visiting a psychologist or GP under a mental health plan is around $100 – this is too much for many people and it discourages them from seeking support,” Ms Callister said.
“The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs provide such an important, accessible source of mental health support.”
“Communities throughout Victoria are particularly vulnerable at the moment with cost of living challenges and the housing crisis placing additional pressure on people,” she said.
“There is still such a strong demand for free and immediately accessible support services like the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs. They have been, and continue to be, important for preventing psychological distress from escalating into hospitalisation or worse.”
To access a Hub in one of these areas call Mind Connect on 1300 286 463. To access a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub in another area call 1300 375 330
Find out more about Mind’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.
If this article raises 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.
If you would like more information, please contact us.
1300 286 463
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Support from his local Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub has helped Chris manage his chronic pain, improve his mental wellbeing and connect more with his community.
Linda says she doesn’t know where she would be without the support of a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
