new pop-up mental health services for melton

cohealth, one of Australia’s largest community health organisations, has started delivering new pop-up mental health services for people living in the City of Melton.  The Melton pop-up mental health service is one of 20 Victorian Government funded ‘pop-up’ clinics announced in September.

cohealth’s specialist team of Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches and Peer Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches will support people with mental health concerns and psychological distress that may have arisen due to the impact of COVID. The clinics are funded to operate until 30 June 2022.

The Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches will provide one-on-one wellbeing coaching and case management through phone and telehealth consultations, and face-to-face where it is safe to do so. People don’t need a Medicare card to access the services.

People can access the new cohealth mental health pop-up services via 1300 375 330 or the Partners in Wellbeing website (partnersinwellbeing.org.au).

The 1300 number operates 9am – 10pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends.

Whilst COVID restrictions are in place, access to the services is primarily via phone and web referrals, with only a limited capacity for walk-ins due to limits on the number of people permitted on-site.

Once COVID restrictions ease, people can also access the services via walk-ins (Mon-Fri, business hours only) at 195 – 209 Barries Road, Melton West

Plans are also underway to deliver mobile pop-up mental health services via a cohealth bus that will travel to a range of locations once restrictions ease

Quotes attributable to Nicole Bartholomeusz, Chief Executive, cohealth:

“The pandemic has had significant mental health impacts on people in our communities, and these new services will provide extra support the community needs.”

“Loss of income, isolation from friends and family and disrupted education can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, and trigger episodes in people with no history of mental ill-health.”

“Investing in community-based mental health services helps our health system work more efficiently. We can reduce the burden on hospitals and ambulances by giving people the support they need before their problems snowball.”

“We are proud to have been chosen to deliver this important to the people of Melton. Thanks to our deep existing connection to this area, we understand just how much the community has been impacted,”

Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik:

“We welcome this crucial and much-needed service, particularly during this time.

“Initiatives like this give our residents the opportunity to easily access the timely support they need for their mental health.

“I’d encourage anyone who has experienced any mental health concerns or distress during the pandemic to make the most of this service.”

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More on cohealth:

cohealth is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit community health organisation that strives to improve health and wellbeing for all.  cohealth provides universal access to services as well as targeted programs and assertive models to address the health disparities experienced by disadvantaged groups. cohealth offers a broad range of high quality, integrated health and support services, including medical, oral, pharmacy, mental health and drug and alcohol services.

more information:  Lanie Harris 0418 552 377  lanie.harris@cohealth.org.au

@cohealth_au                      facebook.com/cohealth/