pop-up mental health services will give care to those in urgent need

Released on 14th September 2021

cohealth has welcomed the Victorian Government’s latest investment to boost mental health and wellbeing support for Victorians through 20 state-wide ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing services.

People will be able to access the services via a free 1300 number and website which will connect them with trained mental health workers in their area, who are based at community health services such as cohealth, and community managed mental health services.

“These pop-up services will have a tremendous impact on people who are struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic. A pandemic is not just a physical health phenomenon; it affects individuals and the broader community creating anxiety, stress, stigma, and fear,” said Nicole Bartholomeusz, Chief Executive, cohealth.

“Loss of income, isolation from friends and family and disrupted education can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, and trigger episodes in people with no history of mental ill-health,” she said.

“Investing in community-based mental health services is sensible investment that helps our health system work more efficiently. It will fast track specialist care for people who need urgent support, while reducing the burden on acute responses such as ambulances and emergency departments,” said Ms Bartholomeusz.

cohealth has been selected to deliver the pop-up COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing services in four high need Melbourne’s LGAs; Brimbank, Moonee Valley, Melbourne and Melton.

“We are proud to have been chosen as a trusted health partner to the State Government in delivering on this important initiative across Melbourne’s inner city and western suburbs. We know that these regions have felt the most devastating health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic,” said Ms Bartholomeusz.

 

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More information: email media@cohealth.org.au or call 0499 101 638

More on cohealth: 

cohealth is a Victorian not-for-profit community health organisation that strives to improve health and wellbeing for all. It provides universal access to services as well as targeted programs and assertive models to address the health disparities experienced by disadvantaged groups. cohealth offers a broad range of high quality, integrated health and support services, including medical oral, pharmacy, mental health and drug and alcohol services. 

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