VIDEO: Share The Bear initiative promotes HeadtoHelp Hub
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones said the hubs provide additional mental health capability to help Victorians find the right mental health service for their needs.
HeadtoHelp provides onsite support for those who need it, along with telehealth for anyone across our region.
“Our focus will be to provide help for people who need support with their mental health, often for the first time in their lives,” he said.
“HeadtoHelp will work closely with existing providers including GPs and hospitals, referring people to more intensive mental health care or social supports if they need that level of help.”
Mr Hunt said the Federal Government recognised the ongoing restrictions were having a significant impact on the wellbeing and mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria and was committed to ensuring that support was available.
“These new clinics, branded with the HeadtoHelp logo, are a free service and, over the next 12 months, will provide a place within the community for people to access mental health care as early and as conveniently as possible,” Mr Hunt said.
“The clinics are staffed by multi-disciplinary teams of mental health professionals which may include GPs, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and/or other allied health workers.
“The HeadtoHelp clinics will provide on-site mental health support, and will also connect to other mental health services in their region, including intensive mental health care or social supports, to ensure people get the help they need when they need it.
“The clinics will play a key role in supporting our GPs, emergency departments, and hospitals by providing easily accessible mental health care.
The hub are being delivered by the Commonwealth Government’s Primary Health Networks (PHNs) which play a critical role in commissioning mental health services at a regional level.
Anyone concerned about their mental health should call 1800 595 212 to talk to a health professional or connect to a service near them.
More information on how to access the HeadtoHelp clinics and additional digital supports can also be found at https://www.health.gov.au/resources.
Last updated: September 25, 2020
