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Applying for grants now open for Gippslanders from $20M mental health facilities state fund

Fund applications now open, ensuring continuous provision of safe and therapeutic recovery for Victorians.

By news@gippsland - 9th June 2021 - Back to News

Mental health and alcohol and drug services across Victoria will share $20 million in funding to upgrade vital infrastructure, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today welcomed the announcement that applications for the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Facility Renewal Fund have now opened, ensuring mental health services across the state can continue to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for Victorians on their recovery journey.

Hospitals and facilities are being modernised including the medical equipments needed to ensure Victorians are being provided with the help they need

Improving access to facilities

Established in 2016, and part of the Labor Government’s commitment to improving access to mental health and alcohol and drug services, the Fund provides grants for construction, remodelling and refurbishment projects for public mental health and alcohol and other drug care facilities.

Medical equipment upgrade

This year’s funding round will also offer equipment upgrades including medical equipment, specialised furniture, and information technology. The program has already funded more than 100 infrastructure and improvement projects at mental health and alcohol and other drug care facilities across the state.

Infrastructure funded by the program

A $400,000 mental health intensive care area amenity upgrade at Albury Wodonga Health in Wangaratta, a $190,000 bathroom upgrade at Peninsula Health in Frankston and a $477,000 sensory space upgrade and safer gender areas to at Monash Health’s Adult Mental Health Unit in Clayton are just some of the infrastructure projects funded through the program since 2016.

These vital upgrades are just one part of the Labor Government’s response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to reform, modernise, build service capacity and provide better models of care for Victorians experiencing mental ill health.

Fixing a broken system

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes $3.8 billion - the biggest mental health investment in the history of the state - to ensure Victorians have the support they need as we get on with fixing a broken system.

Modernising the facilities

Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said, "By modernising our public mental health and alcohol and drug facilities, we’re making sure Victorians facing mental health and addiction problems are cared for in modern, safe and comfortable environments."

Improving the quality

Minister for Health Martin Foley said, "Victoria is leading the way in improving the quality of our health systems and ensuring consumers, families and carers have access to world class facilities and services they need, no matter where they live."

Providing right facilities and equipment

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "The Mental Health Royal Commission has identified the importance of modernising and improving our mental health system across Victoria. As part of our commitment to implementing all of its recommendations, this investment will provide more communities across Eastern Victoria with the right facilities and equipment to make a practical and positive difference."

Pictures from Drug Policy Australia Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com