By BRIDGET SCOTT
A CARER support service in Narre Warren will receive more than $600,000 to help provide mental health support throughout the City of Casey.
Mind Australia in Narre Warren will receive a major boost to help carers of the disabled.
Mind Australia area manager in the outer south Denis Hovic, said it was fantastic news as Mind Australia was a leading provider of community mental health services.
“From our point it is really welcomed news,” he said.
“We are a regional growth corridor with many new families.”
LaTrobe MP Laura Smythe, who visited the centre last month, said the expanded services were part of the Governments record 2.2 billion national mental health reforms.
Ms Smythe visited Narre Warren’s Mind Australia to learn how the organisation would provide the community with greater access to flexible respite services over the next five years.
“It was an exciting week for investment in the local mental health initiatives,” she said.
“The Federal Government has provided $10,000 for young people to access GP’s and counsellors from the Berwick GP Super Clinic, as well as a local headspace youth mental health care centre to support Casey and Cardinia regions.”
Ms Smythe said that the increased support and funding would help carers throughout the community.
“The increased support Mind Australia is to receive, means they will be able to offer carers short breaks, and allow them to participate in the community,” she said.
“They will (be able to) engage in peer support groups and education, or receive counselling and advice, all contributing to their own health and wellbeing.”
Ms Smythe said; “We know how important it is to support carers and families of people with mental illnesses.”
The funding comes as part of the Federal Governments 2.2 billion dollar national mental health reform package.
Ms Smythe said the Federal Government was providing $121 million to mental health programs through its reforms, so more people with severe mental illnesses, their families and carers would have greater access to support services and other practical assistance close to home.
