Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres in seven regions, including in Brimbank, are now officially open.
These services are the first of their kind in Australia, supporting the mental health and quality of life of caregivers when supporting someone with mental health challenges, illness, psychological distress or addiction.
Recognising these Victorians are often unable to work and without adequate support, the centres offer a welcoming and accessible space, available without need for a referral – giving those with care responsibilities access to a range of services, including information, networks, resources and hardship funds.
Mental Health Minister Gabrielle Williams said central hubs and additional satellite sites now open across regional and metro Victoria, including in Sunshine which caters for Melbourne’s west.
More than 140 people offering lived experience in supporting people with mental health or addiction-related illness are working at the centres while the centres were also co-designed with families, carers and supporters.
Each hub and satellite location will also provide outreach, phone and online services to meet the diverse needs of the community.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres are part a $93 million investment to support families and carers
Ms Williams said that the community is so often focused on supporting those living with mental illness that we forget to check on the people caring for them.
“These centres play an important role in not only promoting a better quality of life for caregivers, but also offering practical services, including advice, connection to support networks and access to hardship funds.”
