Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Brimbank mental health services

Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (19:27): (1956) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Mental Health in the other place, and the action that I seek is for the government to work with Brimbank City Council to ensure that the new mental health and wellbeing service is fit for purpose and that the council can continue to deliver mental health services that they provide—and they need funds. Brimbank has one of the highest levels of very high psychological distress in Victoria. COVID also had a significant negative impact on residents’ mental wellness, with many facing job losses, lack of social interaction and uncertain futures. Now Brimbank will become the home of a new $8 million mental health and wellbeing service.

The council plays an important role in mental illness prevention, early intervention and advocacy. They want to see more protection and support, particularly concerning young people and the newly arrived communities. They have been delivering a number of programs, including Tuning in to Teens. This is an evidence-based program that supports parents and carers to develop an emotional connection with their children and help them to learn about emotions and emotional intelligence. They also run youth mental first aid. This is based on guidelines developed with professionals and people with lived experience of mental health problems. The course is great for parents, teachers, sports coaches and youth workers. It gives them the skills to recognise and respond to those who might be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. They also have trialled SafeTALK and applied suicide intervention skills training. Provided in schools at no cost through the Melton-Brimbank suicide prevention network, they help students better understand mental health and how to access support if they need it.

They would like to see the expansion of these programs as well as the development of a website with details on specific mental health issues. It could also provide a live chat feature and information on the locations of treatment specialists. Brimbank council know their local community. They have designed and delivered a number of programs to help with the mental health and wellbeing of their residents, especially their youth. It would be great to see this government work with the council to ensure that these programs can continue and be expanded—and be funded by this government.