Gippsland › Latest news › Harriet Shing MP

Mental Health Support for Bushfire Communities

Funding boost to promote mental health after the state’s devastating bushfires.

By Portal Admin - 13th July 2020 - Back to News

People struggling with mental health after the state’s devastating bushfires will get the help they need from services and programs in their own communities with a funding boost from the Victorian Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Harriet Shing today announced five mental health organisations in Gippsland are set to receive extra funding as part of the Victorian Government’s $23.4 million recovery fund.

The full package includes $8.75 million to bolster mental health services provided by Albury Wodonga Health and Latrobe Regional Health who offer specialist early intervention advice to GPs and community clinicians.

Funding will also go to Austin Health’s Victorian Trauma Treatment Service for post-disaster treatment and advisory services, and to Phoenix Australia who provide training and mentorship to community leaders and mental health providers.

The investment also includes $6.6 million for practical mental health support programs delivered by Gippsland Lakes Community Health Consortium which is leading the Gippsland regional mental health support including Royal Flying Doctors Service, Lifeline Gippsland, Relationships Australia, Latrobe Regional Health Service and Beyond Blue. The initiatives include:

• Training and mentorship which supports community leaders and mental health providers to effectively respond to the needs of their communities
• Providing advice and training to parents to support children through long-term recovery
• Peer outreach programs for farmers, foresters and small business owners
• health and wellbeing meet-ups such as exercise groups, social events, and youth camps

Another $3 million is dedicated to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to establish social and emotional wellbeing programs, including for Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Service. This support is in line with the recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

This funding is on top of $51.2 million for the Mental Health Practitioners in Schools initiative rolling out to ten schools across East Gippsland and the $14.4 million to establish the Victorian Bushfires Case Support in January, which is accessible by calling 1800 560 760.

The Victorian Government has now committed $307.4 million to bushfire response and recovery.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Harriet Shing

"East Gippsland communities impacted by the devastating bushfires are only just beginning the difficult process of rebuilding their lives, their homes, and their communities, mental health support is an essential part of this process."

"Victorians haven’t forgotten the disastrous bushfires. And we know they have had a profound impact on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and families across Gippsland – you are not alone, there is support here for you when you need it."

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett

"This funding is recognition mental health support is so important to assist local communities rebuilding after the state’s devastating bushfires."

"These local services will be there to assist and support individuals and families from all walks of life with the different challenges that they are now facing."

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

"While the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System is underway and recommending lifesaving reforms, we’re making sure Victorians can get the help they need, when they need it."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com