$1.3 million for mental health support in Dandenong
Mind Australia has received $1.29 million to continue their Personal Helpers and Mentors program in the Dandenong region for the next three years, Mark Dreyfus, has announced.
Visiting the program’s headquarters in Dandenong, Mark Dreyfus said that this program is about helping people with a range of mental illnesses who have fallen through the gaps.
“The fantastic work that the staff at Mind Australia do through this program allows people with mental illness to navigate through systems like Centrelink or the Department of Housing."
“The organisation’s focus on mental wellness allows the participant to feel comfortable, which means that staff or volunteers will go out and work with the participant at their residence and mentor them at their speed.”
Sally Davies, Acting Team Leader for the program, said that this funding allowed five full-time staff to continue working with the 52 participants currently being assisted through the program.
“Personal Helpers and Mentors relies on Federal Government funding, and we would not have been able to continue operating without this latest funding announcement."
“This means that Mind Australia can continue to support people with mental illness in our local community, equipping them with the tools to turn negatives in their lives into positives.”
The Personal Helpers and Mentors program was rolled out in early 2008. Participation in the program is voluntary, and participants can seek support from Mind Australia for as long as they feel they need.
