Building on the $490,000 committed to Headspace Ballarat earlier this month, another $480,000 will help make mental health support more accessible to more people.
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Allocated through the Western Victoria Primary Health Network, the extra money will support disability, ageing, and community service organisation genU to develop and deliver a new program for at-risk people who may not need more intensive support from Warrnambool and Horsham to Geelong and Ballarat.
According to a WVPHN media release, this "low-intensity support" will catch people who might be starting to struggle with their mental health, or who are dealing with more persistent illnesses like mild depression.
"For such members of our community, we wanted to provide a service that can be accessed quickly, without the need for a formal referral, easily, and efficiently," WVPHN chief executive Rowena Clift said in a statement.
"This will provide relief for our mental health workforce and look to curb the progression of mild mental illnesses into something more severe in need of more intensive care."
genU was phoned for comment but no response was received.
In a statement, chief executive Claire Aimes said mental health "is more important than ever" after the previous 12 months.
"genU will provide mental health support via a variety of flexible service options including telehealth, digital and face-to-face sessions," she said in a statement.
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"These services are available to people in the local community looking for entry level mental health support and are suitable for adults of all ages and abilities."
The additional federal funding is separate to this month's massive Headspace boost, following an increased focus on mental health services in both state and federal budgets.
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.
Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
- Ballarat Mental Health Services: 5320 4100 or after hours on 1300 247 647
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