Community health provider cohealth welcomed the community to drop-in to the Brimbank mental health and wellbeing local at an open day afternoon held on June 7.
Brimbank locals took up the invitation to visit the new space and meet the dedicated team who operate with a ‘no wrong door’ policy to provide free mental health and wellbeing treatment, care and support for people aged 26 and over.
Community activist Sangeeta Sharma was among the many visitors in attendance. She said the opening of the Brimbank local was a direct result of genuine community consultation.
“We were listened to, and that makes a difference,” she said.
“There is a warmth and energy to the place that I like. It’s accessible and not clinical. The staff are amazing and approachable.
“The service is different from the norm. Community members can come here and chat to health workers who are from their own community.”
Using flowers with connections to the Brimbank area, guests participated in a flower bouquet making activity centred around the idea of flourishing.
The cohealth team said the open day was a chance to celebrate the community who have contributed so much to Brimbank local, from the initial consultation stages, to the design of the building and the delivery of services.
The service is one of 60 mental health and wellbeing locals announced in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system.
The Brimbank local launched in April this year and is open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday at 45 Dickson Street, Sunshine.
Hannah Hammoud
