New model to deliver mental health, AOD support

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) has appointed a team of highly experienced health care agencies to deliver improved mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services in the Geelong Otway region.

Neami National, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, Drummond Street Services and Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery have been chosen to run the new Regional Care Partnerships mental health and AOD (alcohol and other drugs) program that will start from July 1.

More than $3.5 million in funding has been allocated each year for three years towards the program.

WVPHN chief executive officer Rowena Clift said the partnership would have the task of delivering mental health and AOD services that targeted the individual needs of health care clients who were seeking a holistic approach to their health support.

“The Regional Care Partnerships model is about care and co-ordination. Each client will be supported by a team of health care providers with specialist skills and knowledge to lead them through the journey to better health.

“Together, the aligned health care agencies will guide clients toward the support that is best suited to their needs no matter where they live in the region. Importantly, this includes ensuring services are sensitive to cultural needs.

“We have also combined mental health and AOD under the single support umbrella. Not every patient will need support for both but for those who do, it will be a smoother and more coordinated experience when working toward improving their health and wellbeing.

“This new approach will establish more effective local health networks, consistent with recommendations from the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health to improve the accessibility and delivery of mental health support services.”

Drummond Street Services chief executive officer Karen Field said her organisation was excited to continue its work with trusted partners from our local communities.

“This partnership brings together organisations that are well recognised as leading mental health and wellbeing and AOD providers, working with, and alongside, our communities for many years.

“Through Drummond Street Services’ our own work with diverse families over many years – we know the importance of support that is accessible, connected and inclusive – especially when dealing with mental health and substance abuse.”

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive officer Simon Flagg said the co-operative prided itself on offering a holistic service to the community.

“The importance of having integrated care through physical health, mental health and AOD support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those services being delivered by trusted people in culturally safe environments, is so important.”

The introduction of the new service model for mental health and AOD support follows a lengthy consultation process involving people with lived experience, their families and carers, and the health professionals who are responsible for delivering care.

WVPHN will transition to the new model over the next three months.