Salvation Army
Nina TAYLOR (Albert Park) (17:22): (1234) The Salvation Army provides safe, high-quality, evidence-based support that enables people to pursue fullness of life and to improve outcomes for themselves, their families and communities through a variety of services such as targeted outreach to the vulnerable. I was thrilled with the announcement in August 2024 by the Minister for Mental Health regarding the expansion of outreach services in St Kilda that I advocated for, to be delivered by the Salvation Army. The mobile services have expanded the operation of the Salvation Army’s Access Health service on Grey Street, enabling them to extend their harm reduction and primary health services to those in the community who are most vulnerable. The expanded outreach services for St Kilda include mobile services staffed by a multidisciplinary health team providing people with the health and social support they need to improve their wellbeing and find a pathway out of addiction. This outreach program works alongside local businesses, law enforcement and service providers to inform the best care pathways while supporting community safety. The services operate seven days a week, with service hours to adapt to community needs. These services are being delivered as part of the Labor government’s $95 million statewide action plan. Our statewide plan is saving lives, and these new outreach services in St Kilda are providing significant support to the most vulnerable people in our community. The action I seek is for the Minister for Mental Health to come to the electorate of Albert Park and see how the expanded outreach services being delivered by the Salvation Army are making a positive impact in my community.