Today is World Mental Health Day – it’s an opportunity for everyone working on mental health issues to talk about their challenges, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care accessible for people worldwide.

I’d like to congratulate Barwon Health on their highly successful World Mental Health Day Breakfast – alongside the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, Wellways, and Ermha365, they do an amazing job supporting our local communities through difficult times and I’d encourage anyone struggling to reach out to their Mental Health and Wellbeing Local program to access support.

Our government acknowledges the importance of State Government programs like Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, and is supporting their work by delivering meaningful mental health reform through strengthening the care workforce, setting up new clinics for mental health support, and elevating the voices of those with lived and living experience of mental ill-health.

At a local level, we’re establishing a Headspace to support young people’s mental health in Armstrong Creek and are committed to continue funding of the Ocean Grove Headspace.

On World Mental Health Day – and every day – we encourage all Australians to look after their mental health.

For more information on Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, please visit: Barwon Health mental health, drugs & alcohol services - Mental Health & Wellbeing Local