Ella* says she feels more hopeful for the future after accessing support from a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
The 35-year-old from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, who experiences mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts, was referred to a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub following a difficult time in her life.
Through the Hub, she has been able to connect with Belinda – a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub support worker. Ella lives with chronic pain and experiences mobility issues, so she elected to receive over-the-phone support once a week from Belinda.
“If I’m having a bad pain day I don’t have to worry about getting myself somewhere because I could still access the Hub service,” Ella said.
“Belinda is a delight – she has become one of the highlights of my week. She went at my pace and she has given me a connection with someone who listens. For the first time I felt heard, which was something that wasn’t happening with some crisis interventions I’ve had in the past.
“Together, Belinda and I have worked on a safety plan that has given me strategies to stay safe when I’m feeling down.”
The Hubs act as a ‘front door’ service to the mental health system to provide Victorians of all ages with faster access to mental health support. They provide free short-term psychosocial support without a waitlist.
Ella says her life has changed significantly since accessing the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
“I don’t feel the need to engage in crisis services or things like Lifeline as often. I feel more hopeful for the future and about making the life that I want,” she said.
“I’m back enjoying creating things and I’m connecting with community more.”
Mind currently delivers the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in Abbotsford, Coburg North, Cowes, Footscray, Greensborough, Omeo, Werribee and Wonthaggi.
In the past 12 months, Mind Hubs have supported more than 2,000 people across 14 Local Government Areas throughout Victoria.
Mind CEO Gill Callister says the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs face an uncertain future with their current funding due to end in June 2025.
“In the middle of a cost of living crisis it is important that Victorians have access to free mental health support. The average out of pocket cost for visiting a psychologist or GP under a mental health plan is around $100 - this is too much for many people and it discourages them from seeking support,” Ms Callister said.
“The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs provide such an important, accessible source of free mental health support.”
To access a Hub in one of these areas call Mind Connect on 1300 286 463. To access a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub in another area call 1300 375 330.
Find out more about Mind’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.
*Ella’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.
If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If you would like more information, please contact us.
1300 286 463
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Cloé had a profound experience of self-recognition in 2017 when she saw a video about Lana Wachowski, one of the directors of the Matrix, who transitioned in 2012.
Two or three years ago, John’s teenage daughter Celine’s* mental health spiralled. She started to disengage at school and home and, struggling to connect with others, began using alcohol and recreational drugs as a coping mechanism.
Now 19, Celine has multiple diagnoses, including autism and anxiety, as well as her issues with alcohol and recreational drugs.
Ella* says she feels more hopeful for the future after accessing support from a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
