Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Ministers statements: mental health services

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:14): I rise to update the house on the walk-in mental health support now available in Morwell. On Friday I joined a member for Eastern Victoria, Minister Shing, to open the permanent location of the Latrobe mental health and wellbeing local. The Latrobe local began delivering services via telehealth in late 2022 and expanded throughout last year, and now service provider Neami, alongside partners Drummond Street and Uniting Vic.Tas, are delivering a full service at the permanent location at 3 Hazelwood Road, Morwell. This means that people aged 26 years and over can now walk in and get the mental health support they need with no GP referral or appointment required and at no cost.

The Allan Labor government is delivering mental health and wellbeing local services right across the state, providing Victorians with free, easy-to-access mental health care and support close to home when they need it. Acting as a front door to mental health systems and staffed by qualified mental health practitioners, the locals deliver mental health support in person, via telehealth and via outreach services. The Latrobe local is demonstrating what a difference local services can make in the community, including in times of particular need. Since severe storms hit the Mirboo North region a few weeks ago, the Latrobe local has been working closely with the community to ensure people know that mental health support is available. I was really pleased to join Minister Shing to inform the locals in Mirboo North that the Latrobe local will be operating two days a week at the Mirboo North Medical Centre, providing outreach services. All mental health support is free for that community and no appointment is needed, meaning members of the community can simply walk in during operating hours and receive that immediate support.

Thank you to the team at the Latrobe local for showing us around on Friday and for the amazing work you do in the community every day.