A Footscray pop-up mental health and wellbeing hub will remain open until permanent facilities open across the state.
The state government announced on Tuesday, June 7 that 30 pop-up mental health hubs that were set up last year would continue to operate beyond June 30, when they were scheduled to close.
The hubs were opened last October to support Victorians through the challenges of the pandemic and will continue until the service is expanded permanently.
More than 1600 people across the state have accessed the pop-up clinics.
The hubs acted as a ‘front door’ service to the mental health system, providing support without any eligibility criteria or the need for a GP referral, removing the barriers that a number of Victorians face when they need support.
In the coming months, more than 50 local services are to be established to give Victorians easy access to care without having to navigate the system.
The first six of these Mental Health Locals will open this year, including one in Brimbank.
Mental Health Minister James Merlino said they were continuing to remove barriers to getting the care needed
“Victorians across the state are getting the help they need through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs – that’s why we’re keeping them open until mid-2023 while we get on and deliver permanent local services,” he said.
Details: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/mental-health-hub or 1300 375 330.
Tara Murray
