Mind Australia is set to operate new Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs across Victoria, including Greater Bendigo, making it easier for Victorians to access free and immediate support for mental illness.
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The hubs are part of a $13.3 million commitment to provide Victorians with easier access to mental health support as they continue to navigate through the impacts of the pandemic.
The hubs provide a mix of free face-to-face support, telehealth, mobile outreach and online delivery services.
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Bendigo hub practitioner Melissa Asta said this new service would be a way of connecting differently with clients.
"Myself and other practitioners have been through mental health journeys of our own in the past and I think that can really make a difference when you're speaking to clients," she said.
"It creates a level of understanding and comfort I think too that people may not feel in other places.
"Unfortunately because of Omicron we aren't taking walk-ins at the moment, but we're doing telehealth and limited face-to-face contact if it's required.
"We're willing to get creative and maybe set up a session outside or anything that will keep everyone COVIDsafe."
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Ms Asta said the hub is open to anyone who needs any sort of assistance, whether it be with their mental health or other daily struggles.
"It's psycho-social support that's non-clinical mental health support," she said.
"We help anybody of any age can be referred to the hub. We help families and children, or anyone who needs any sort of help with their mental health.
"We can also help with practical things like accessing mental health care plans, finding counselling, GPs as well as other support such as alcohol and other drug services."
Mind will be managing hubs in Abbotsford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Wyndham, Footscray and Wodonga, with work underway setting up hubs in Craigieburn, Traralgon and Wonthaggi.
Mind Australia chief executive Gill Callister said it was important for people to have access to services, particularly after the last few years.
"The pandemic has highlighted the need for easily accessible mental health services to provide people with the support they need when they need it," she said.
"We know that a local approach is more important than ever after the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
"If you need help, you can reach out and you will get it."
In-person, mobile outreach support services are also already being delivered across regional areas including the Loddon and Campaspe Shires, plus and north-east Victoria.
"Mind's mobile workforce - part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub initiative - is already out on the ground, providing help wherever it is most effective, whether that's in homes, in local communities, or in conjunction with local services," Ms Callister said.
The new hub is located at the Bendigo Family and Financial Services building at 39 Rowan Street.
Anyone needing assistance can call 1300 375 330 or for more information on hub locations, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthhub or mindaustralia.org.au/access-free-and-immediate-support-mental-illness
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