Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres officially open.

Following the Victorian Government’s recent media release confirming the official opening of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres across Victoria, Wellways is pleased to announce the commencement of these family and carer-focused services in the Gippsland locations of Traralgon and Bairnsdale in the south west regions of Geelong and Warrnambool.

Delivering on a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, these services are the first of their kind in Australia, supporting the mental health and quality of life of caregivers when supporting someone with mental health challenges, illness, psychological distress or addiction.

Recognising these Victorians are often unable to work and without adequate support, the centres offer a welcoming and accessible space, available without need for a referral – giving those with care responsibilities access to a range of services, including information, networks, resources and hardship funds.

“By providing peer-led support to families and carers of those living with mental health challenges through the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres, Wellways is not only continuing to support Victoria’s Mental Health Reform, we are also continuing to provide contemporary lived experience support to families and carers 45 years on from our inception: as a small group of family carer advocates trying to change the system.

We are confident and ready to support families and carers in Gippsland and south west Victoria and we are thrilled to be doing so” Laura Collister, Wellways CEO said.

Each hub and satellite location will also provide outreach, phone and online services to meet the diverse needs of the community.

More information to come.