The Victorian Government is making sure all Victorians get the care they need sooner and closer to their families and communities, with work continuing on the development of new local adult mental health services.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino today announced the tender process is now open for the first six
fast-tracked new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services ─ aimed at bringing vital support services closer to communities.
Benalla, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong, the Latrobe Valley and Whittlesea will be the first areas to open these new local services by late 2022, in a rolling program that will see up to 60 services implemented across Victoria.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended 50 to 60 new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services be established across Victoria by the end of 2026.
These services will act as a ‘front door’ to the reformed mental health system ─ connecting Victorians to the care they need in their own community, focusing on prevention and early intervention for adults who are experiencing mental illness or psychological distress as well as treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.
For more information on the tender application process, visit tenders.vic.gov.au.
To build a new mental health and wellbeing system from the ground up that meets the needs of all Victorians, the Victorian Budget 2021/22 invested a record $3.8 billion in mental health and wellbeing services and support.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“We are building a new mental health system from the ground up ─ one that is responsive, tailored and localised that meets the needs of all Victorians no matter where they live.”
“These new local services will transform the way we deliver treatment, care and support for Victorians with mental illness and psychological distress – giving them easy-to-access local services and support within their community.”
