More funding for mental health as demand for services increases

By Our Reporter
0
1087
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Victorians will get the mental health support and care they need, with the Victorian Government to provide additional funding as demand for services increases during current restrictions.

Though they’re important and necessary, these temporary measures can affect the mental health and wellbeing of Victorians, including children and young people—which is why the Government will provide $9.57 million to meet increased demand, an official press release said.

“That’s why we’ll invest $2.24 million to urgently deliver surge teams of clinicians in each of Victoria’s 13 specialist Child and Youth Mental Health Services, each of which will work with their local headspace centres to address significant waiting lists,” the release said.

And in acknowledgement that headspace centres are a Commonwealth-run service, the government will ask the Federal Government to immediately match this funding until the end of 2021.

“We also know that phone helplines and digital connections are important to ensure diverse communities can access mental health support services—so community channels established during 2020 will receive a $3.1 million boost to help maintain current services and develop new initiatives to support and treat vulnerable Victorians.”

This funding will go towards organisations such as Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic), Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, YMCA and Your Town—Kids Helpline.

The number and severity of eating disorder presentations have increased during the pandemic. The Government announced additional support in January, and will provide a further $1.5 million to support six metropolitan health services to continue and expand integrated care to persons with eating disorders.

In addition, the Government will invest $1 million for Beyond Blue, $1.2 million for Lifeline and $500,000 for Eating Disorders Victoria helpline to make sure all Victorians can access the timely and appropriate mental health care they need.

Work to rebuild Victoria’s mental health system is underway. The Victorian Budget 2021/22 invested $3.8 billion to transform the way mental health and wellbeing services are delivered in Victoria.

Acting Premier and Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said, “The current restrictions are in place to protect every Victorian—but we know this is a tough time and many are struggling with their mental health.

“This is about delivering the mental health support Victorians need right now, as well as into the future as we recover from the pandemic.”


Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | InstagramFacebook

 

Donate To The Indian Sun

Dear Reader,

The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.

Thank you for your support.

Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun

Comments