The Victorian Government is continuing to expand Victoria’s mental health workforce to meet growing demand and deliver on the Royal Commission’s vision of a system where every Victorian has access to the care they need.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt has announced the second round of Mental Health and Wellbeing Local roles through the Graduate and Early Career Program, supporting a strong pipeline of new workers to deliver the care Victorians need, close to home.
These workers will be placed in Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals across Victoria, helping more Victorians get free mental health support close to home without needing a GP referral or Medicare card.
The Locals offer free support and treatment for Victorians experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including co-occurring substance use or addiction.
Support is delivered in-person, via telehealth and via outreach services with a care plan designed to reflect a person’s goals and preferences – family, carers and supporters can also be involved.
This new intake will establish 66 mental health roles across the community for graduates including:
- positions in allied health, psychology, and postgraduate nursing
- lived and living experience positions
- wellbeing support roles
- as well as clinical educators and supervisors to support and guide graduates.
It follows the first intake which commenced in February and saw 27 roles established at Locals in Greater Geelong and Queenscliff, Bendigo and Echuca, Whittlesea, Frankston and Latrobe.
It is as yet unclear if we will see any additional staff here in Mildura.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/mental-health-mental-wellness-4232031/
