The strain of 2020's COVID-19 pandemic is a new challenge for current generations. As we grapple with the mental imprint, Australian state and federal governments are announcing added mental health supports for citizens, particularly Victorians.
Last week the Australian Government announced extra funding for Victorian Mental Health Support. A range of initiatives gain this funding.
Digital and Telephone Services
Mental health support to Victorians will now be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone counselling and digital services will meet the increased capacity of use. This support is for both during the pandemic and into the future. Services that received funding include Headspace, Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Kids Helpline.
HOPE
New public acute mental health beds will boost community mental health services. The final rollout of the Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal Engagement HOPE Program will begin. The system is to take pressure from emergency Departments. Its aim is in prevention and support. The post-suicide prevention program will roll out to 7 new sites. Box Hill, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Clayton, Heidelberg and Broadmeadows, Warrnambool and Mildura. Extra clinical capacity will also support Albury-Wodonga and Ballarat sites. Geelong, Epping, Sunshine and Melbourne will also see expansion.
Medicare Therapy Sessions
10 extra Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions are available to people in areas impacted by the second wave. This subsidising allows people in eligible areas who have used their 10 sessions to continue to receive care. From their psychologist, psychiatrist, GP or other eligible allied health workers.
Frontline Services
More mental health staff will connect within Ambulance Victoria’s RefCom service. This service supports paramedics to give accurate advice. For example to include developing care plans as needed.
Police and paramedics will have extra mental health and wellbeing support through Phoenix Australia. The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program will gain funds for mental health counselling and support. For their nurses, midwives and personal care workers.
If you need support, our IDEAS Information Officers can help you find whatever it is you need to take care of yourself at this time.
We have also put together a handy guide of National Crisis Numbers. It's ok to not be ok.
Sourced from
Mental Health Support The Hon Greg Hunt MP Minister for Health
Fast-Tracked Mental Health Support The Hon Daniel Andrews Premier of Victoria
