New mental health hub opens
New mental health hub HeadtoHelp was officially opened last week at the Warragul Specialist Clinic.
Member for Monash Russell Broadbent cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony attended by several community groups including Longwarry and District Foodbank, Primary Health Network representatives and general practitioners.
Primary Health Network chief executive officer Amanda Proposch said the HeadtoHelp hub would provide services to people struggling with mental health during the pandemic.
She said the opening was a substantial step in helping people affected in the Gippsland area, with up to seven rooms available to use at the Warragul hub.
“Gippsland is the third busiest HeadtoHelp in Victoria, that’s significant. Since September 14 there has been over 500 calls and 400 referrals,” she said.
One of the key services in the HeadtoHelp hub is the 1800 number people can ring if they feel worried or anxious. Ms Proposch said one of the major messages was to not wait to pick up the phone and get support.
Six Victorian PHNs developed the model of care which is evidence based, seeing accredited health care workers taking calls and supporting those in need, helping them find the specific support network for each individual.
“Seeing everyone here today, there’s a real vibrancy and that’s a real positive to go on with. It’s not over yet, things are still tough and it’s wonderful to see the strength here,” Ms Proposch said.
Mr Broadbent spoke about the COVID lockdown and the effect it had not only on him, but many others in the region.
He thanked the many doctors, nurses and front-line workers who had worked tirelessly throughout the past 12 months.
“What’s been proven in the last 12 months, we have to work together on this. The rate of anxiety among children and young people and those who usually don’t worry has skyrocketed. We have done this (opened the hub) because that need has been expressed.
“Your network is doing a marvellous job and I’m here to humbly say thank you for all you’ve done, for what you have achieved and to say
I’m very proud of our community,” he said.
The mental health hubs were funded through a $31.9 million-dollar federal package to Victoria with the HeadtoHelp hub at the Warragul Central Clinic one of two hubs set up in Gippsland, the other located in Sale.
For more information on HeadtoHelp visit the website at https://headtohelp.org.au/ or phone 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional.