Bendigo Community Health Services has opened a new dedicated HeadtoHelp mental health hub.
Our CEO Gerard Jose said the HeadtoHelp hub is playing a vital role in supporting people in need across Greater Bendigo, particularly during this Coronavirus pandemic.
"Bendigo Community Health Services welcomes the opportunity to further support people in need in our community through the new HeadtoHelp hub," Gerard said.
"We are well aware there are people out there struggling through this Coronavirus pandemic who are not getting the help they need and this initiative is the opportunity to reach out to them and provide that valuable support.
"Our staff are committed to HeadtoHelp and we believe this can make a real difference in the community."
Our HeadtoHelp hub runs from the Kangaroo Flat site at 19 Helm Street from:
Monday: 8.30am to 5pm
Tuesday: 8.30am to 8pm
Wednesday: 8.30am to 5pm
Thursday: 8.30am to 8pm
Friday: 8.30am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed.
Call 1800 595 212 to make an appointment.
The hub has been established with the support of MurrayPHN and is one of 15 created across the state with the $26.9 million cost funded from a $31.9 million Federal Government mental health package announced in August to support Victorians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Bendigo HeadtoHelp hub is one of six in regional Victoria with others in Warragul, Sale, Wodonga, Ballarat and Geelong.
In Greater Melbourne hubs are located in Berwick, Frankston, Officer, Hawthorn, Yarra Junction, West Heidelberg, Broadmeadows, Wyndham Vale and Brunswick East.
Print out a HeadtoHelp Hub flyer in English, Karen, Dari or Dinka
New Bendigo HeadtoHelp flyer in English pdf click here (62 KB)
New Bendigo HeadtoHelp flyer in Karen pdf click here (275 KB)
New Bendigo HeadtoHelp flyer in Dari pdf click here (306 KB)
New Bendigo HeadtoHelp flyer in Dinka pdf click here (245 KB)
To download a sheet answering the most frequently asked questions about HeadtoHelp pdf click here (206 KB)
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the new HeadtoHelp hubs.
VIDEO: Share The Bear initiative promotes HeadtoHelp Hub
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones said the hubs provide additional mental health capability to help Victorians find the right mental health service for their needs.
HeadtoHelp provides onsite support for those who need it, along with telehealth for anyone across our region.
“Our focus will be to provide help for people who need support with their mental health, often for the first time in their lives,” he said.
“HeadtoHelp will work closely with existing providers including GPs and hospitals, referring people to more intensive mental health care or social supports if they need that level of help.”
Mr Hunt said the Federal Government recognised the ongoing restrictions were having a significant impact on the wellbeing and mental health of individuals and communities in Victoria and was committed to ensuring that support was available.
"These new clinics, branded with the HeadtoHelp logo, are a free service and, over the next 12 months, will provide a place within the community for people to access mental health care as early and as conveniently as possible," Mr Hunt said.
"The clinics are staffed by multi-disciplinary teams of mental health professionals which may include GPs, mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and/or other allied health workers.
"The HeadtoHelp clinics will provide on-site mental health support, and will also connect to other mental health services in their region, including intensive mental health care or social supports, to ensure people get the help they need when they need it.
"The clinics will play a key role in supporting our GPs, emergency departments, and hospitals by providing easily accessible mental health care.
The hub are being delivered by the Commonwealth Government’s Primary Health Networks (PHNs) which play a critical role in commissioning mental health services at a regional level.
Anyone concerned about their mental health should call 1800 595 212 to talk to a health professional or connect to a service near them.
More information on how to access the HeadtoHelp clinics and additional digital supports can also be found at https://www.health.gov.au/resources.
Last updated: September 25, 2020