Hub to help carers connect

ONE of eight Connect Centres around Victoria has opened in Ballarat to support the families and carers of people experiencing mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt opened the centre, located in Dawson Street, on Wednesday last week.

The service is a partnership between Mind Australia, Ballarat Community Health and Grampians Community Health, and was funded by the State Government in response to recommendation 31 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The centre offers individual or group-based support, information, advocacy, counselling and a comfortable place to relax, and is led by people with lived experience of mental health challenges.

“Lived experience is a really key component of how this service has been designed,” Ms Stitt said.

“We also have a number of staff here with the experience of caring for a loved one who is exposed to the mental health system.

“I think that’s really important because that makes sure that the services that are being provided are appropriate.”

The centre will service the Wimmera and Central Highlands sub-regions, and Ms Stitt said there will be outreach programs for people who live far from Ballarat.

“People can drop into this centre but there is also outreach available,” she said. “The Connect Centre here in Ballarat has been working closely with a lot of other community health services and neighbourhood houses.”

Mary Hollick, who has lived experience as a carer for her son with schizophrenia, said it is critical to support carers so they can continue their role.

“Carers really represent the bridge to them continuing to live,” she said.

“Without carers the people with serious illness in particular suicide earlier, they die earlier, they appear before the court, they’re jailed.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.