Narre Warren South electorate mental health services
Mr MAAS (Narre Warren South) (09:56): I recently had the pleasure of joining the Minister for Mental Health for her visit to the Narre Warren health and wellbeing hub. We announced $13.3 million towards 20 pop-up mental health and wellbeing hubs in 2021 and then delivered 30 as services have responded to demand and increased locations across the state. These hubs act as welcoming front doors to the mental health system with no eligibility criteria—people can simply walk in to ask for help or more information. As we understand more about the impacts of mental health issues on individuals and society, we know of the importance of early intervention and accessibility. The hub in Narre Warren assists my constituents on a range of issues, including lowered mood, anxiety and distress, and dealing with stressors such as homelessness, financial difficulties and social isolation. Our local hub is being delivered by EACH, who have a long history of delivering a comprehensive range of services to address physical, mental and psychological needs at a primary care level. In just nine months over 2200 people have utilised the mental health and wellbeing hub in Narre Warren. I would like to thank the Minister for Mental Health for her recent visit and all the hard work that is going into providing easily accessible services for those in need.