February 18, 2014
MIND Australia will work to address severe and persistent mental health issues in the Latrobe Valley with the support of the Federal Government.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester in conjunction with Gippsland Medicare Local today announced funding of $100,000 towards the delivery of MIND’s services.
Mr Chester said the announcement was the third allocation of funding through stage one of the Federal Government’s ‘Partners In Recovery’ program in Gippsland.
“Gippsland Medicare Local was awarded a total of $7 million over four years to boost mental health support services and we have seen this funding targeted to specific areas across the region,” Mr Chester.
“Today’s announcement is an important boost in services for people in the Latrobe Valley who suffer from mental health issues.
“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.
“While we have become more aware of the complexity of mental health issues and the need to help people who are suffering, we still have a lot of work ahead of us in terms of providing appropriate levels of support.”
MIND offers clients residential rehabilitation; an outreach service; transition to independent living; stable and safe accommodation; respite for carers; mentor programs; individual service packages; and specific services for families and carers of people with a mental illness.
Gippsland Medicare Local Chair Dr Nola Maxfield said MIND had the capacity to deliver mental health recovery and rehabilitation services and educative programs to adults with severe mental illness.
“MIND is a quality organisation which can deliver the ‘Partners In Recovery’ initiative throughout the Latrobe Valley,” Dr Maxfield said.
“There are outlets located in Morwell and Traralgon and MIND has already been serving the Latrobe Valley region in community mental health services for the past 25 years.
“This funding will support people with complex needs as well as provide assistance for carers and families as well.”