Mental health support centre ready to help

THE new Loddon Mallee Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre in Bendigo is officially open.

The Wills Street property was opened by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards last week.

It has been operational since May last year under the management of Mind Australia and Mallee Family Care, and is one of eight established by the State Government in response to Recommendation 31 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The centres are designed to provide families and carers of people experiencing mental health challenges, illness, psychological distress or addiction with support, tailored information, advocacy and counselling.

The Bendigo property is open for individual or group walk-in consultations without the need for a referral.

“We are so often focused on supporting those living with mental illness that we forget to check on the people caring for them – caregiving can be a challenging job, so it is vital we make sure carers too are well supported,” Ms Stitt said at the opening.

Ms Edwards described the property as a “warm, welcoming and accessible space run by experts.”

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said family and loved ones play an important role in the health system.

“This new centre’s helping more local caregivers get the support they deserve close to home,” she said.

The centres, in both metropolitan and regional areas, are part of a $93 million Government investment to support families and carers.

Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister said putting lived experience at the heart of service design and delivery (staff have personal experience of supporting someone with mental health or substance abuse issues) was one of the Royal Commission’s key recommendations.

“The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recognises the valuable skills, strength and expertise that families and carers develop through their lived experiences of providing support, and Mind commends the Victorian Government on following through on this vital recommendation,” she said.

“By listening to carers within the community and identifying issues that matter, we can create tailored support options so that carers and family members can live their own lives while continuing to care for their loved ones.”