THE mental health space can be complex to navigate and requires a varied approach to offer the best support to people on their recovery journey.
The Wellways-led Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira in partnership with APMHA and GV Health, strive to offer the best supports available for local people, with the understanding that everyone’s needs are different.
Sally Whitelaw is Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, Operations Manager located in Shepparton. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the service and supports the realisation of ideas and innovations around what’s possible and encourages the team to be our best selves. “We have a big team of people of different cultures, different experiences, and different skills. So, it’s about bringing out the best in each other at work, and the other aspect of my role, I suppose, is to work closely with our consortium partners,” said Sally.
General Manager Reform and Implementation at Wellways, Cat Hunt, looks after six Wellways-led Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services across Victoria, including the amazing team in Shepparton.
“It’s different to a traditional mental health service where a clinician or a practitioner tells you what your recovery journey looks like. We give the power back to the person, and they choose what their recovery journey looks like,” said Cat.
Support and Connect Team Leader Hayley Clarke, employed by GV Health, supports the wellbeing navigator peers who all have a lived experience of mental health or substance recovery. The team walk alongside people supporting them throughout their journey with the service.
“My job as the team leader for the peers is supporting them. Having the lived experience and working in the peer space can be challenging at times, so being there for them and supporting them and making sure that they’re okay and that they can work the best with the participants to support them,” Hayley.
APMHA Clinical Team Leader, Renae Durward, supports a multidisciplinary team. “I feel fortunate to work in a space that supports participants with co-occurring mental health and substance needs while helping to break down stigma—it’s deeply fulfilling,” said Renae.
