Mental health support made easy

A major objective of Men’s Shed is to advance the health and wellbeing of men Australia wide, which is why Leongatha Men’s Shed has partnered with Mind Australia for a community information event.

Mental health organisation Mind Australia has provided more than 1000 hours of support to people in the Gippsland region who are experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns, through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.

Mind Hubs Lead Practitioner for Gippsland, Donna Hall, will be joining the Leongatha Men’s Shed on June 30, to talk about the work mind is doing through the Hubs.

Hubs operate in Cowes, Traralgon and Wonthaggi and support more than 50 people across Baw Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellington shires, as well as the City of Latrobe.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs were funded by the Victorian government in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They act as a ‘front door’ service to the mental health system and provide Victorians of all ages with faster access to mental health support.

Research from Mind shows the Hubs are helping people reduce psychological distress and feel significantly less sad, nervous and restless.

Ms Hall said Mind staff at the Hubs are helping people in the region who are struggling for a variety of reasons, including housing insecurity, financial stressors, social isolation, and inability to purchase food.

“The Hubs are making a real difference in the Gippsland region and are removing a lot of the barriers to a very complex system”, Ms Hall said.

“Typically, people have had to be significantly unwell or need a diagnosis before they can access mental health services, but people in Gippsland can access the Hubs directly for varying levels of psychological distress”.

“In Gippsland we have been providing one-on-one support over the phone and face-to-face in the community. We also host group sessions so that people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns can connect with others in a safe, supportive environment.”

Mind Hubs Lead Practitioner for Gippsland, Donna Hall, will be a guest speaker at the Leongatha Men’s Shed on June 30, 2023. 

All men from the South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires are welcome to attend this informative session with barbecue lunch provided at no cost.

Help yourself, your mates, and other local men understand that support is available should it be required.

Commences at 10.00am at the Leongatha Mens Shed, 9 Wild Dog Valley Road, Friday, June 30.

Event enquiries: email, lgatha.mens@gmail.com or contact Paull Lahn 0438 326 103.

For access to free and immediate support through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs for

Victorians of all ages call 1300 375 330.

For more information on Mind services near you, visit the Mind website or call 1300 286 463.