New treatment models for marginalised victorians experiencing mental health issues

cohealth Chief Executive, Lyn Morgain, today welcomed the additional $2.9b investment in health and specifically the $9.9M allocated to develop new treatment models for marginalised Victorians living with mental health issues.

With a 100 year history of working closely with local and often marginalised communities throughout the northern and western regions of Melbourne, cohealth has extensive experience in co-designing effective services and welcomes the opportunity to work with the government on developing these models.

Ms Morgain commended the Government for focusing on prevention and early intervention in other areas of the budget, noting in particular the combined $87.3m investment into family violence prevention initiatives and the additional $27.5m for new suicide prevention initiatives.

“The key to realising the full potential of these welcome investments will be to work closely with local communities, ensuring that they actively participate in shaping the delivery of the initiatives that are intended to benefit them,” said Ms Morgain.

“We know that the Victorian community is extremely diverse, and that those who are most marginalised – such as people experiencing homelessness, individuals with complex needs, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – require particular consideration in order to not fall through the gaps.

“Yesterday’s budget announcements of significant funding to cut the elective surgery waitlist, upgrade critical hospital infrastructure and boost regional health services are indeed welcome news,” said Ms Morgain.

“We are delighted the Minister is so clear that to truly reduce pressure on our hospitals, and ensure that all Victorians can enjoy the highest possible standard of health and wellbeing, it is critical to also invest in preventative and primary health care.”

“The opportunity for health starts long before a person requires medical care, and with additional investment into non-hospital health services – including community health, health promotion, and primary care organisations – the Government can ensure that maximum benefit is derived from its health spend.”