Greater Geelong has been chosen as one of six new ‘Mental Health Locals’ to be opened by the end of the year.
The mental health hubs will become an easy entry point to getting care with welcoming, inclusive and comfortable drop-in spaces, staffed by qualified mental health professionals, that meet the diverse needs of communities around the state, the state government said.
The services will provide care and support for adults who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges – including people with co-occurring alcohol and drug addiction treatment and care needs.
The first three new Local Services will open in the coming months in Benalla/Wangaratta/Mansfield, Latrobe City and Frankston, with the next three to open by the end of 2022 in Brimbank, Geelong/Queenscliff and Whittlesea.
Temporary Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs that opened in late 2021 will continue to provide care until Mental Health Locals open across the state.
The hubs were opened in October 2021 to support Victorians through the challenges of the pandemic – will continue until the service is expanded permanently.
“The Royal Commission told us that too many Victorians find navigating the mental health system too hard – we’re removing barriers to getting that care, with services in communities across the state to provide care to everyone,” Minister for Health James Merlino said.
“Victorians across the state are getting the help they need through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs – that’s why we’re keeping them open until mid-2023 while we get on and deliver permanent Local Services.”
