Partners to deliver psychosocial supports in eastern Melbourne

Communities in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs will see an increase in delivery of support for Victorians with mental health needs with Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) appointing Wellways Australia to deliver additional psychosocial support services.

Psychosocial supports can include practical help with daily living, finding a home or gaining employment; connecting with family, friends and the local community; as well as looking after both the mental and physical health of a person.

Wellways CEO Laura Collister welcomed the opportunity to provide an invaluable service to many of eastern Melbourne’s most vulnerable residents, in partnership with Carrington Health and healthAbility, and other mental health stepped care providers, Access Health and Community, Inspiro Community Health, Banyule Community Health and Nexus Primary Health.

“EMPHN has expanded their vital Psychosocial Support Service to reach more people with severe mental health issues, no matter their age, who are not able to access supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS),” Ms Collister said.

“We know how important it is for people to create connections and have a sense of wellbeing and inclusion, while receiving practical supports for their mental health challenges.”

“Alongside current psychosocial supports provider, Neami National, we are excited by the opportunity to expand the service to reach more residents in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, offering locals more choice and flexibility,” said Ms Collister.

The Psychosocial Support Service in Melbourne’s eastern region aims to reach over 900 people by the end of the year and has a focus on providing flexible support when and where people need it.

The program has a whole of person approach that integrates mental health with physical health, addressing the often-unmet physical health needs of people with severe and enduring mental health issues.

Carrington Health and healthAbility CEO Ronda Jacobs said the expanded Psychosocial Support Service is aimed at meeting the needs of many in the community who have not been able to access supports elsewhere.

“Our partnership with Wellways provides extra coverage for a service that is vitally important to people’s mental and physical health and wellbeing,” Ms Jacobs said.

“The more psychosocial support services are made available, the more opportunities will be created for so many people with a lived experience of mental health issues,” said Ms Jacobs.

Anyone can make a referral to the Psychosocial Support Service including community members referring themselves, carers, friends, families, GPs and other service providers in the region by calling EMPHN’s Referral and Access team on (03) 9800 1071.

The Psychosocial Support Service is an initiative funded by the Australian Government under the Primary Health Network (PHN) program.

Partners to deliver psychosocial supports in eastern Melbourne PDF