MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES BOOSTED IN GIPPSLAND
December 13, 2013
SNAP Gippsland will work to address severe and persistent mental health issues in Gippsland with the support of the Federal Government.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester in conjunction with Gippsland Medicare Local today announced funding of $500,000 towards the delivery of SNAP’s services.
Mr Chester said the funding would be delivered through the Federal Government’s Partners In Recovery program.
He said Gippsland Medicare Local had been awarded a total of $7 million over four years to boost mental health support services.
“As a nation, we have become more aware of the complexity of mental health issues and the need to help people who are suffering,” Mr Chester said.
“There has been a positive change in the way we support people and this funding will boost SNAP’s efforts to deliver mental health recovery and rehabilitation services and educative programs.
“It’s estimated that more than 600 people in Gippsland will deal with severe and persistent mental health issues at some stage over the next three years.
“In addition to support for people suffering with mental health issues, this assistance will also extend to carers and families and to make sure that multiple services and support structures work in a targeted and collaborative fashion.”
Gippsland Medicare Local Chair Dr Nola Maxfield said SNAP Gippsland delivered services in East Gippsland, Wellington, South Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley and Bass Coast through its outlets located in Bairnsdale, Sale, Morwell and Leongatha.
“We are connecting, integrating and supporting Gippsland’s health care providers to deliver more targeted health care in the right locations all across our Gippsland region,” Dr Maxfield said.
“This is achieved by getting the multiple health care sectors, services and support structures they may come into contact with, to work in a more collaborative, coordinated and integrated way.”