New Community Mental Health facility marks milestone for mental health care in the Grampians region
Grampians Health has officially opened its new Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, bringing its community mental health programs together under one roof and strengthening access to integrated mental health care across the region.
The Albert Street facility consolidates a wide range of community mental health programs into a single, modern and welcoming location, making it easier for consumers, carers and families to access support while enhancing collaboration between multidisciplinary teams.
The new centre responds to growing demand for community mental health services and aligns with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System which called for improved access to community-based care, stronger service integration and contemporary, recovery-focused models of care.
Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said the opening, which also coincided with Mental Health Month, represented a significant step forward in meeting the region's growing mental health needs.
"The opening of our new Community Mental Health facility is an important milestone for Grampians Health and the communities we serve," Mr Fraser said.
"By bringing our community mental health teams together in one purpose-designed location, we are creating a more connected, coordinated and accessible service for consumers, carers and families.
"The centre supports a recovery-oriented approach to care, strengthens collaboration across teams and helps position us to meet increasing demand for mental health services now and in the future."
Director of Mental Health Damien Taylor said the centrally located Ballarat facility delivered a range of benefits, including improved service integration, enhanced consumer experience, greater operational efficiency and capacity for future growth.
“The facility also provides co-location opportunities with key partners, including the Forensicare Regional Team, supporting stronger collaboration and more seamless care pathways for consumers,” Mr Taylor said.
“Its proximity to public transport and other health and community services will further strengthen partnerships and care coordination across the region.”
Services located at the Albert Street hub include Infant and Child Mental Health Services, Youth Mental Health Services, Perinatal Community Mental Health Services, Access and Triage, the Acute Response Team, Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE), Adult Community Mental Health Teams, Intensive Outreach Team, specialist mental health services and lived and living experience workforce teams.
The only community mental health services not based at the Albert Street facility are the Aged Community Mental Health Service and community mental health teams located in Ararat and Horsham.
The opening of the new Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Service reinforces Grampians Health's commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible and person-centred mental health care for communities across the Grampians region.
