Mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to leading a fulfilling and healthy life.
At some point, everyone may experience mental health challenges, whether ongoing or situational.
Stressors such as financial, family, and work-related pressures can amplify these challenges, often leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Wangaratta is designed to meet individuals wherever they are on their mental health journey.
Now located in its permanent home at 76A Reid Street, Wangaratta, the centre is committed to supporting the community.
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The service offers free, no referral, and easily accessible assistance tailored to individual needs, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to receive mental health and wellbeing support when they need.
Wellways-Led Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals general manager, Caitlin Hunt, said the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Wangaratta is designed to support people wherever they are on their mental health journey.
"By offering free, no referral, and easily accessible services, we aim to remove barriers and ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to receive the support they deserve, tailored to their unique needs," she said.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local provides support to individuals, families, and carers experiencing psychological distress, mental health concerns related to family, relationships, housing, employment, or financial challenges, social and emotional wellbeing difficulties, including isolation and loneliness, and alcohol and other drug misuse.
Visitors are welcomed with a simple question: “How can we help?”
Peer navigators, professionals with lived experience, are available to provide compassionate listening and guide individuals toward the appropriate support for their unique needs.
"Our dedicated peer navigators are essential to the support we offer," Ms Hunt said.
"Drawing on their lived experience, they listen with empathy and guide individuals step by step, ensuring everyone feels heard, understood, and supported in finding the care that best suits their needs."
The service is designed to empower individuals to take control of their mental health journey.
Support is personalised to meet specific needs, with individuals determining the direction for their recovery journey.
Upon connecting with the service, individuals are paired with a Peer Navigator who works collaboratively to ensure the right support is provided.
Family members, carers, friends, and supporters of individuals with mental health concerns are also eligible for assistance for their own wellbeing.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Wangaratta is delivered through a partnership between Wellways, Albury Wodonga Health, and the ACSO (Australian Community Support Organisation).
Ms Hunt said they are proud to collaborate to deliver a localised, holistic approach to mental health support.
"This partnership allows us to respond to the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that mental health resources are not only accessible but also meaningful and impactful for everyone who reaches out," she said.
"The facility you see here today, along with the services we provide, was thoughtfully co-designed in partnership with the community.
"Every detail reflects the experiences and needs of community members who generously shared their insights, ensuring we offer support that is relevant, safe, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone."
This collaboration ensures the service is equipped to meet the diverse needs of the community through localised, essential support.
The service acts as an accessible front door to mental health and wellbeing resources, eliminating barriers to access.
Its offerings are available to adults aged 26 and over, along with their families, carers, and supporters, free of charge, and accessible without the need for a Medicare card or referral.
Mental health is a vital aspect of overall health, and support is available every step of the way.
Discover support that meets your needs—personalised, free, and close to home.
Call 1800 000 842 for a chat, visit 76A Reid Street, or learn more online at wellways.org/localservices.
