Mental health support for residents

GOLDEN Plains Shire has again teamed up to deliver free mental health support for residents across the municipality in partnership with non-profit organisation Barwon Child Youth and Family.

The program will make available general mental health services alongside drug and alcohol counselling at venues across the Shire, and mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said the effort aims to assist those affected by the pandemic.

“It has been a difficult two years for many members of our community and it is vital that all residents have access to mental health support and this free program will make it much easier for residents to seek that help,” he said.

“Council’s COVID hardship policy has been a valuable financial support for residents, and we are pleased to be providing additional support for those whose mental health has been impacted by the pandemic.

“Taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health and I encourage anyone who may be struggling or is in need of mental health support or drug and alcohol counselling to utilise this free service.”

As part of the program sessions are being offered at Dereel Community Learning Centre and Dereel and Rokewood Community Health Centre on Tuesdays, Meredith Community Centre on Wednesdays, and Bannockburn Physiotherapy Clinic on Thursdays.

Sessions are also available via phone, and residents will be able to seek help at the facilities without a mental health care plan or a referral from their general practitioner.

The program comes via $50,000 from Golden Plains Shire and will remain available until Friday, 31 March 2023.

Call BCYF at 0432 688 769 or 1300 022 293 to make an appointment.

A similar program operated in the Shire last year, also run by Barwon Child Youth and Family, and saw group sessions take place in communities across the municipality.