State government announces mental health package

The Victorian Government will spend almost $60 million towards supporting the state’s mental health system due to increased demand on services from the coronavirus.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley said the package, announced at the weekend, would be crucial in helping Victoria deal with the virus.

“This investment in people’s mental health and wellbeing will save lives and is critical to our social and economic recovery after this crisis is over.”

Acting on advice from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the state government dedicated $17.8 million to creating 170 extra youth and adult acute mental health beds.

Premier Daniel Andrews said this would help protect the broader health system.

“We want to keep people connected to the treatment and services they need while taking pressure off our hospitals – which need to be focused on the fight against coronavirus.”

A further $6.7 million will help counselling services including Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Kids Helpline and Suicide Line Victoria expand their online and phone counselling services.

Beyond Blue will receive $1.8 million of the funds.

The organisation’s chief executive officer Georgie Harman said the support was much-needed, given the increase in requests for their services.

“Beyond Blue has already seen record demand, with a 30 per cent spike in contacts to our Support Service in the last two weeks of March. On some days, a third of people are reaching out because of the direct impact COVID-19 is having on them.

“This package offers a well-constructed plan that supports all Victorians to stay mentally well and targets those who will be doing it particularly tough.”

For a broad range of support options, head to coronavirus.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 512 348.