The Victorian Government has announced an additional $60 million in funding to support the work of Mental Health Victoria – to expand community and clinical mental health services across the state.
The additional funding is welcomed by Mental Health Victoria and its CEO, Angus Clelland, who says the additional funding is timely given the profound impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of Victorians, both from the trauma associated with the pandemic and the economic repercussions now unfolding.
“Pressure is building in a mental health system that was already in crisis before COVID-19 hit. The effects of the pandemic will be felt for years, that is why the initiatives announced today are so critical,” says Mr Clelland.
In addition to fast tracking more acute hospital beds, the latest package of funding will help boost community mental health service delivery, including the 15 Melbourne-based headspace centres, with the aim of providing proactive support to known clients.
The package also includes accelerating the state-wide rollout of the Hospital Outreach Post-Suicidal after Engagement (HOPE) program, as well as providing additional mental health support for nurses, midwives, police and personal care workers.
“The stakes are very high right now, so we welcome the State Government’s continued focus on the mental health of Victorians and the mental health system.
We welcome having the Victorian and Federal Governments working side-by-side to support Victorians in desperate need for mental health support. Lives will be saved,” says Mr Clelland.
