Health need recognised

Remote Wimmera communities will have better access to clinical mentalhealth services following a $1.5-million announcement.

State Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the funding covered services across the ‘Grampians’ region.

He said it would allow health-service provider Uniting Wimmera to provide a Delivery of Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response program to clients with a mental-illness diagnosis.

Uniting Wimmera will employ staff with mental-illness experience to work alongside clients.

Uniting Wimmera disability and mental health manager Jen Selwood said the money opened the door for outreach opportunities in remote Wimmera communities, with a clinical team.

“It is great for this need to be acknowledged. This is a step in the right direction,” she said.

“The funding gives us hope that all residents living in the Wimmera will have access to support.

“People will no longer feel isolated due to where they live.”

Uniting Wimmera executive officer Josh Koenig said the program would focus on providing ‘wrap-around’ supports to clients during treatment to give them the greatest chance of recovery.

“We are in a unique position where we can link our clients and their families or carers into a range of programs and services that can assist them in a variety of aspects of their life,” he said.

“This includes housing and family support, immediate support to people who are in financial crisis as well as supporting people to have the resources, opportunities and capabilities to learn, work, engage and have a voice.