Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is now fully operational, with a dedicated hub for Victorians aged 26 and above to access essential mental health and wellbeing services.
As one of the inaugural Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals established under the State Government’s mental health initiative, the hub began as an outreach service operated by mental health organisation Neami National.
But now with a physical hub, which includes consultation rooms, bathroom facilities, and suites, Lived Experience Service Manager Alana Istanto said the hub was a welcoming space for many activities—whether that be taking a break and having a hot drink, or accessing mental health treatment.
“The first year was obviously to set the space up and provide outreach support, but to have a grounding in the community, and knowing that there is a space for people to come to is a real privilege and feels great,” she said.
“We’ve had a really good response to people who come into the space … it’s not waiting in a General Practitioner (GP) clinic or hospital, because a lot of the time the option would be to go to emergency if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
“Although we’re not a crisis service, we get people who still come and think this is a really calm space, and when people first come in, they’re greeted by our peer support workers.”
The service partners with Drummond Street Services and Victorian Aboriginal Health Services to connect lived experience workers and family practitioners with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, multicultural, and First Nations, to provide support over a period of six to 12 months.
For those facing challenges related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use, clinicians from Uniting Vic Tas are available to address the intersection of mental health and other underlying issues.
Clinical Service Manager Kirsty Constable said the services available were not restricted to people’s visa status or access to a referral.
“Anyone can walk in over the age of 26—anybody that wants mental health or wellbeing support,” she said.
“They can either come in via the walk-in centre to get support during opening hours, or call our intake line.
“When somebody comes in, we don’t make assumptions about what they want to focus on, we ask them, so it’s very much based around what they want to prioritise.”
The hub will continue to offer outreach and phone support services, ensuring that individuals have access to the help they need.
The new hub is located at 7/1 Danaher Drive, South Morang, open Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, and Saturdays and public holidays 10.30am–6pm.
Sundays are by appointment only.
For more information, call 1800 571 145 or visit www.neaminational.org.au/services/whittlesea-mental-health-and-wellbeing-local.
