MENTAL Health is in the spotlight with a new service giving communities hope across Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires and it’s thanks to The Lower Hume Primary Mental Health Service.
The mental health service is funded by the Murray Primary Health Network as a collaborative initiative led by Yea and District Memorial Hospital in partnership with Alexandra District Health, Seymour Health, Northern Health and Goulburn Valley Health, and offers free non-urgent mental health consultations and brief intervention support for people experiencing symptoms of mental ill health or mild to moderate emotional distress.
Hope is just a phone call away for regional residents with mental health clinicians now based in Kilmore, Seymour, Alexandra and Yea.
An intake worker is available to guide individuals through the referral process, and self-referrals are welcome.
Yea Hospital Chief Executive Elizabeth Sinclair pointed out the benefits of having follow-up sessions with a focus on practical strategies and support to build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.
“This service is designed to be accessible and responsive to the needs of our rural communities,” she said.
“Our clinicians work with individuals to understand their concerns, explore how these are affecting their daily lives, and develop achievable goals for wellbeing.”
Ms Sinclair also said that should a referral form from a GP be needed, it can be provided.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact the intake worker on 5736 0418, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm or Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.
As always, 24/7 crisis counselling is available from Lifeline, phone 13 11 14, and also Beyond Blue, please call 1300 224 636.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
For urgent attention, please call 000.
