Geelong Homelessness Access Program Launch
Last week I had the pleasure of helping launch a further two pilot Homelessness Access Programs for our region. In Geelong, programs will be delivered by Meli and Neami National to improve access to healthcare for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
As part of the Geelong program, Neami National will expand its existing Towards Home+ Assertive Outreach service in Geelong to include a community nurse and a community rehabilitation and support worker. Together, they will offer outreach services and focused support for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
At the same time, Meli will employ a community nurse to help support young people aged 15 to 25 years who are accessing their Youth Homelessness services. The nurse will offer immediate health advice, support and assessment alongside referring clients to other relevant health services in the city.
Amongst the speakers at the launch last week, we heard from people with lived experience of homelessness. It was moving to hear them share their experiences and speak about how they thought these trial programs would reduce barriers.
Read the media release, to find out more about the Geelong program here. We’ve also recently launched a similar service in Ballarat.
Mental Health Month
The start of October signals the beginning of Mental Health Month. In the lead up to the month we’ve published a series of flyers outlining WVPHN-commissioned mental health and alcohol and other drugs services available in each of our four sub regions, including basic information about each service, such as providers, level of acuity, referral and contact information. You can download the flyers from the Mental Health Care section of our website:
The flyers can be printed out as a reminder as to what services are available.
Craig Wilding, WVPHN CEO
2 October 2024