It’s official - the North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is open
08 September 2023
On Wednesday 6 September, the Minister for Mental Health, the Honourable Gabrielle Williams, visited our North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect service and toured the new Ivanhoe hub. Minister Williams was joined by key staff from Access Health and Community, healthAbility, Inspiro and SHARC (Self Help Addiction Resource Centre) to announce the official opening of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect services across Victoria.
The establishment of the North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect service, as one of eight Connect services across Victoria, was one of the key recommendations in the Victorian Mental Health Royal Commission.
The North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect service currently has a main hub site in Ivanhoe and two satellite sites in Lilydale and Ashburton. We will be opening more satellite sites in the coming months across the North East Metro region.
Our services include:
- Individual and group-based peer support
- Family counselling (from October 2023)
- Information, resources and practical support
- Practical and financial assistance
- Education sessions and group programs (from October 2023).
The hub in Ivanhoe includes consulting rooms, a purpose-built kitchen and lounge space, a library and resource centre, an outdoor balcony, a children's area and a ‘quiet’ room. No appointment is needed and families can drop in any time or call us on 8850 4150 to book an appointment. The hub is now open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Evening and weekend hours will be added in the coming months.
About the Connect Service
The North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre is a warm and welcoming space for family, carers, and supporters of people living with mental health or substance use concerns.
It is a space for families to drop in and connect with each other and or our Family Peer Workers who have their own lived experience of caring for a family member with mental health or substance use concerns.
Our services are provided in a range of ways to ensure they are accessible. We provide services in person at the hub and satellite sites, over the phone and via telehealth. You can drop in or call us to book an appointment. We also have resources and information available via our website: https://thefirststop.org.au/
More satellite sites will be added in the coming months.
The North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing service is proudly delivered by Access Health and Community, in partnership with healthAbility, Inspiro and Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC).
