Meeting people where they are:

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local now open

MENTAL health and wellbeing are fundamental to leading a fulfilling and healthy life. At some point, everyone may experience mental health challenges, whether ongoing or situational. Stressors such as financial, family, and work-related pressure can amplify these challenges, often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira is designed to meet individuals wherever they are on their mental health journey. Now located at its permanent home at 116 Corio Street, Shepparton, the centre is committed to supporting the community.

The service offers free, no referral, and easily accessible assistance tailored to individual needs, ensuring everyone can receive mental health and wellbeing support when they need it.

The centre provides support to individuals, families and carers experiencing:

• Psychological distress

• Mental health concerns related to family, relationships, housing, employment, or financial challenges

• Social and emotional wellbeing difficulties, including isolation and loneliness

• Alcohol and other drug misuse.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE OPENS… The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is now located in its permanent home at 116 Corio St, Shepparton. Pictured at the opening from left are Joshua Freeman, Executive Director Community Care & Mental Health | Chief Allied Health Officer, Goulburn Valley Health; Lisa Scarff, Manager of Mental Health Triage, GV Health; Cat Hunt, General Manager, Reform Implementation, Wellways; Nikki Wynne, Director of Services, Wellways; Meena Malla. Co-design Participant, GSSM; The Hon Minister Ingrid Stitt, Mental Health Victoria; Sally Whitelaw, Operations Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in GSSM; Jacqueline Gibson, Commissioner Carers, Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission; Mary O’Hagan, Director Lived Experience, Wellways; Cr Shane Sali, Mayor, Greater Shepparton City Council; Renee Heyden, CEO, APMHA HealthCare; Annabel Brebner, Commissioner, Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission; Kim O’Keefe MP, Member for Shepparton; Dr Rajlaxmi Khopade, Consultant Psychiatrist, GV Health. Photo: Supplied

The service is designed to empower individuals to take control of their mental health. Support is personalised to meet specific needs, with individuals determining the direction for their recovery journey.

Visitors are welcomed with a simple question: “How can we help?” Peer Navigators, professionals with lived experience, are available to provide compassionate listening and guide individuals towards the appropriate support for their unique needs.

Upon connecting with the service, individuals are paired with a Peer Navigator who works collaboratively to ensure the right support is provided. Family members, carers, friends and supporters with mental health concerns are also eligible for assistance for their own wellbeing.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira is delivered through a partnership between Wellways, APMHA HealthCare, and Goulburn Valley Health. This collaboration ensures the service is equipped to meet the diverse needs of the community through localised, essential support.

The service acts as an accessible front door to mental health and wellbeing resources, eliminating barriers. Its offerings are free of charge, accessible without the need for a Medicare card or referral, and available to adults aged 26 and over, along with their families, carers, and supporters.

You can call the service on 1300 000 559, visit 116 Corio Street, Shepparton, or learn more online at wellways.org/localservices.

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