Tara Murray
A new mental health hub has opened in Broadmeadows to provide greater access to support to deal with the mental health impacts of COVID-19.
The HeadtoHelp hub is one of 15 hubs being set up around Victoria as part of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
People an access the hubs by calling the intake, advice and referral line’s trained mental health professionals who will thenassess their needs and connect them with the most appropriate local services.
The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has set up three hubs, including the Broadmeadows hub, and contracted providers to run them. The hubs opened on September 14.
They have worked closely with primary health care services, hospitals, the Victorian Mental Health Pandemic Response Taskforce and the Victorian and federal governments to identify the locations and providers for the hubs.
NWMPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said the advice line and the hubs would be available to anyone in the community with or without a GP mental health treatment plan.
“Mental health issues don’t discriminate,” Adjunct Associate Professor Carter said.
“Many people in north, west and central Melbourne may have never experienced mental ill-health before and are facing new challenges due to COVID-19.
“HeadtoHelp will provide a welcoming place for everyone who needs mental health and wellbeing support, whether their mental health issues are pre-existing or have emerged during the pandemic.”
One user of one of the hubs said it was the only service that called them back and helped them with their concerns.
DPV Health is running the Broadmeadows hub.
DPV chief executive Don Tidbury said it was an important public health initiative.
“Mental health represents a major challenge within the Hume region and this welcome investment will ensure everyone in our community can better access mental health services when they need them.”
The hubs have been funded for 12 months.
To contact HeadtoHelp, call 1800 595 212 between 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday or visit headtohelp.org.au.
