Department of Health

New support service for mental health and substance use families and carers

05/09/23
two people holding their own hands

Eight new regional Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres (Connect centres) are now open to support the wellbeing of people caring for someone with mental ill health and substance use challenges.

Caring for someone with a mental illness can be a challenging, sometimes lifelong commitment. The lived and living experience-led service recognises families, carers, and supporters as individuals with their own wellbeing needs within their caring roles. The Connect centres will provide families and carers with vital networks and resources they need to improve their own wellbeing.

Families, carers and supporters are an integral part of the care and recovery journey of many people who experience mental health and substance use challenges. Yet many often go without the support they need.

The eight new Connect centres will provide families, carers and supporters of all ages a welcoming, freely accessible space where they can get support, build connections and access resources. There is no need for a referral from a health professional.

Family, carers, kin and supporters can access whichever Connect centre is most convenient for them at any given time. People are not bound to attend the same Connect centre each time they need to access services. The Connect centres welcome all including refugees, people seeking asylum and non-Medicare holders.

Each Connect centre will have both a physical and online presence, providing support through a central hub as well as satellite locations, outreach, phone and online services, to help meet the diverse needs of local communities.

The location and providers of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres are:

Reviewed 06 September 2023

Health.vic

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