Central Geelong Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub opens

A NEW hub now officially open in Geelong will deliver wraparound treatment, care and support for local clients, carers and families.

Run by Barwon Health, the Central Geelong Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub offers health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services.

The hub provides mental healthcare through specialist, integrated multidisciplinary teams, including both clinical and lived experience staff offering a range of services including assessment, treatments and therapies, care planning and coordination, education, peer support and self-help.

These supports are being provided in spaces that have been specifically designed to ensure people feel welcome and safe when they reach out for help and advice.

One of the services offered within the hub is the Greater Geelong and Queenscliffe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, which recently moved to the new site from its initial temporary location in North Geelong.

This Local is part of a network of 15 across the state following a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

“The Royal Commission told us Victorians find navigating the mental health system too hard,” Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said.

“This mental health hub in the centre of Geelong means the community can easily get access to the type of care they need, when it is needed.”

The Locals provide care and treatment for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress in their community, including those with co-occurring substance use or addiction.

Acting as a “front door” to the mental health and wellbeing system, the service offers a welcoming and inclusive space, staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including peer support workers to cater for the diverse needs of all communities.

“This hub will mean people across the Bellarine can enter a safe space and receive the care they need, closer to their home and support networks,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

The service is free and does not require a GP referral nor a Medicare card.