Sibanengi Dube
A walk-in mental health and wellbeing service is now available in Brimbank, where patients can be helped without any referrals or appointments.
Mental Health Minister, Gabrielle Williams made the announcement this morning at the Brimbank Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.
“As recommended by the Royal Commission, we are transforming our mental health system into one that is responsive and compassionate, because that’s what every Victorian deserves,” she said.
Ms Williams announced that anyone aged 26 and older was at liberty to walk in for mental health and wellbeing assistance without any prior arrangements.
This is an addition to the telehealth and outreach support services opened last year, by Brimbank service which are being jointly delivered by cohealth, Clarity Health Care and the University of Melbourne.
The support which has now been extended to the whole community will also be available over the weekends in the coming months.
Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said they are making it much easier for Victorians to seek out mental health support.
“These local services provide a welcoming and accessible environment in the community,” she said.
The local services is staffed with qualified mental health professionals and peer support workers to cater for the diverse needs of all community members.
Since the first six local services opened last year, 763 people have engaged with the services in the Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield region, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong-Queenscliffe region, Latrobe, and Whittlesea.
Another seven local services in Dandenong, Shepparton, Melton, Mildura, Lilydale, Bendigo-Echuca and Orbost-Bairnsdale are set to open by the end of 2023.
The remaining Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals will be operational by 2026.
