Cohealth has started delivering pop-up mental health services for people living in Melton.
The service is one of 20 Victorian government-funded clinics announced in September and will include a team of Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches to help those experiencing psychological distress which may have emerged due to COVID-19.
The Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches will provide one-on-one services via phone and telehealth consultations as well as face-to-face consultations when allowed.
There are also plans under way, once restrictions ease, to deliver mobile pop-up mental health services through a Cohealth bus that will travel to various locations.
Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said in a statement that the impact of the pandemic has had significant impacts and that these new services will be able to provide that bit of 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,” she said.
“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.”
The clinics are funded to operate until June, 30, 2022.
Cohealth mental health pop-up services are available on 1300 375 330 or the Partners in Wellbeing website partnersinwellbeing.org.au.
Once COVID restrictions ease people will be able to access the service via walk-ins from Monday to Friday at 195 – 209 Barries Road, Melton West.
Molly Magennis
