People doing it tough across Gippsland because of drought and dry conditions will have extra mental health support, thanks to a Victorian Government funding boost.
Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced $395,000 to fund innovative mental health and wellbeing programs for the community.
The funding comes as the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System begins public hearings. The landmark Royal Commission will address our broken mental health system and map out a plan of action to drive major change.
The funding boost is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.89 million drought package to support the mental health and wellbeing of drought affected farming communities. This is on top of our Drought Relief Package of $46 million.
The initiative will be delivered through a Drought Mental Health and Wellbeing Partnership, which is led by Gippsland Lakes Community Health and includes eight key mental health and community organisations.
Organisations will be working together to improve access to services for people who may not usually seek out, or have easy access to assistance.
The mental health support aims to provide additional approaches to traditional service-based counselling, so farmers who cannot leave the farm, or those who are isolated and unlikely to seek help, are still supported.
The funding for East Gippsland and Wellington further supports Victoria’s mental health sector as the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System continues its important work.
The Government has promised to implement all of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
The Commission is still accepting online submissions until 5 July 2019.
Source: Vic Government