New programs to support those at risk of homelessness

HEALTH and wellbeing support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness will be significantly boosted in Geelong with the start of two new trial services next month.

On Wednesday this week, Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) launched its Homelessness Access Program for Greater Geelong to help improve access to primary health care.

The trial services will run for 12 months from early October.

As part of the program, Neami National will expand its existing Towards Home+ Assertive Outreach service in Geelong to include a community nurse and a community rehabilitation and support worker.

Together, they will offer outreach services and focused support for people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

At the same time, Meli will employ a community nurse to help support young people aged 15 to 25 using its Youth Homelessness services.

The nurse will offer immediate health advice, support and assessment alongside referring clients to other relevant health services in the city.

The City of Greater Geelong has one of the highest rates by population of homelessness in western Victoria, with data from 2021 showing more than 1500 people were sleeping rough in the municipality at the time.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 40 per cent of people using specialist homelessness services in Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast in 2022–23 were aged 24 or younger.

WVPHN chief executive officer Craig Wilding said the two services would help address gaps in primary health care support for vulnerable people living in Geelong.

“The need for these services is substantial as we work to remove barriers and reduce the stigma that has been preventing people experiencing or at risk of homelessness from seeking support from primary health care services,” he said.

“An important component of both services will be the opportunity to help guide clients when appropriate to other existing free healthcare support in the city such as Head to Health, headspace, Step Thru Care and the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.”

Meli CEO Grant Boyd said the organisation provided a range of services for young people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness and may be sleeping rough, couch surfing or living with family or friends.

He said the Homelessness Access Program initiative represented a significant step forward in increasing primary care access for young people aged 15 to 25 who were experiencing or were at risk of homelessness.