Melanie from Altona (Victoria) says the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs “basically saved my life”.
The 49-year-old accessed a Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub after experiencing suicidal thoughts and an unhealthy relationship.
“The Hub helped me get out of a dark space. I’ve had a few counsellors over the years but I connected with Robina [a Hub support worker] immediately – more so than anyone else before,” Melanie said.
“I spoke to Robina regularly over the phone and she helped me learn to like myself again. She helped me realise that I deserve better, to remember to have me time, to do things that make me happy and that it’s OK to say no.
“The Hub basically saved my life.
The Hubs, funded by the Victorian government since 2021, act as a ‘front door’ service to the mental health system, to provide Victorians of all ages with faster access to mental health support.
Hubs provide short-term psychosocial support without a waitlist. Staff at Mind-managed Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are qualified and experienced practitioners who support people experiencing mental health challenges to manage their wellbeing by providing a holistic and recovery-oriented approach to overcoming their issues.
Melanie says Robina helped her develop a wellness plan that helps her recognise when she’s feeling vulnerable.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done without Robina; she’s got this calmness in her voice and she was so understanding of me and my situation. She listened, offered support and helped me put plans in place that help me break the circuit when I’m feeling down,” she said.
“Robina and the Hub have helped me become more open with my family and I’m more willing to accept help now too. I’m able to reach out to people in my network for support and when I’m feeling vulnerable.”
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.”
Melanie says the Hubs “basically saved my life”.
“It would be a terrible shame if this service was no longer available because there are so many people crying out for help. To take this away would be a massive disservice.”
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.
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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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.
