New local mental health service launches

A NEW local mental health service was launched at the Yea Shire Hall on Tuesday, July 29. The service will help connect people living in Mitchell and Murrindindi local government areas with mental health clinicians based in Yea, Alexandra, Seymour and Kilmore.

Elizabeth Sinclair, Yea and District Memorial Hospital CEO, welcomed the audience and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the new service will operate.

She said, “It’s truly a privilege to stand in front of you here today to talk about this, not just as the CEO of Yea and District Memorial Hospital, but also as a proud member of this community, and celebrate with you a really significant milestone with the official launch of the Lower Hume Primary Mental Health Service.

“This isn’t just another service. It’s testament to what we can achieve when we actually work together.

For too long, we’ve known the challenges faced by our communities, both Mitchell and Murrindindi people, particularly when it comes to accessing mental health support.

“Our own data which is reinforced by Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) data, clearly shows that the number of local people reporting a mental health condition is higher than in many other places, not just in our state but in our country.

“We all know that sometimes the hardest part isn’t just asking for help, but knowing where to turn, especially when you live outside nature metropolitan areas. This is precisely why this new service is so important and so vital.

“It connects our community members with a dedicated mental health set of clinicians… right here in Yea, Alexandra, Seymour and Kilmore. They are residing in communities that they’re going to be serving.

It brings the support closer to home and reduces barriers to access, which is fundamentally what we should be doing across the board in all areas of health,” she said.

She also noted that it’s a partner project, not initiated by any one hospital or service, and was grateful for the funding received through the PHN. With Yea hospital leading the service, she also thanked the PHN for their trust.
She added, “We understand the unique nuances of rural life, the strengths and the challenges, and…

Image: CEO of Yea and District Memorial Hospital Elizabeth Sinclair, CEO of Alexandra and District Memorial Hospital Jane Poxon, CEO of Seymour Health Ward Steet, CEO of Murray PHN Matt Jones, Executive Director of Mental Health at Northern Health Belinda Scott and Northern Health CEO Linda Romano.