Sarah Oliver
Mental health workers in Melton and Moorabool can expect some much needed support after the state government announced today a $16.8 million investment to help Victorian carers.
The support includes $8.8 million for the Mental Health Carer Support Fund to help more carers pay for expenses related to their caring role and support their own health.
This could be respite from their caring responsibilities, food and bills for their own family, or supporting their personal wellbeing through exercise or counselling.
The carers package also includes $8 million for Tandem, Victoria’s peak body for mental health carers, families and supporters.
Tandem will also continue to manage the Mental Health Carer Participation Register, which supports mental health carers to use their lived experience and knowledge of the mental health system to co-design services in partnership with the state government.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said: “Mental health carers are quiet, often unsung heroes in our community – and it’s only right that we give back to them, whether that’s time for themselves or extra support to put food on the table for their own families.”
