A new mental health service, Steps Outer East, will cater for people in Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges.
The new service is funded by Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) and provided by Access Health and Community, and its Steps Outer East partners – Carrington Health, Oonah Belonging Place and Inspiro Community Health.
Steps Outer East provides a range of mental health services ranging in intensity, based on a consumer’s needs and presentation, with an emphasis on recovery.
EMPHN Executive Director Mental Health and AOD, Anne Lyon, said Access Health and Community and partners have demonstrated their ability to work together to provide services to vulnerable people in our community through other EMPHN funded initiatives, including a similar service for our community in the inner-east.
“A strong connection with Oonah Belonging Place will also be vital in providing Aboriginal people in our community with mental health services through a trusted Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation,” she said.
Dr. Tamsin Short, Senior Manager of Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Services said Steps Outer East provides a vital mental health service for people who could not otherwise afford or access mental health services.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important for people to be able to reach out for help and get help,” she said.
The service is no cost for people of all ages who are not able to afford or access similar services and who live, work or study in Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges, as well as Aboriginal people from surrounding areas.
Services will include group and individual psychological interventions, suicide prevention services, care coordination, dual diagnosis services and peer support.
Care teams of experienced mental health workers will work closely with consumers and their carers, families, GPs and other service providers. Collaborative care plans will be developed with consumers to support their recovery and wellbeing.
Locations will include Lilydale, Healesville, Maroondah and Knox.
Referrals to the service can be made by anyone including GPs, other health providers, schools, social services, other organisations, or people or their carers can refer themselves.
For more information, visit www.stepsmentalhealth.org.au
