Efforts to prevent suicide in the Wimmera are set to be boosted as part of a state government funding package announced today.
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As part of Sunday's daily coronavirus update, Victoria's Mental Health Minister Martin Foley announced "additional clinical capacity" would be added to the HOPE program at Ballarat Health, which covers Horsham.
A spokeswoman confirmed to the Mail-Times the Ballarat service would receive $40,000 to increase the program's capacity to provide outreach to Horsham.
She said the money would "enable these services to employ more mental health workers to provide critical suicide prevention support".
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Albury Wodonga Health is also being funded to expand its HOPE program.
HOPE stands for Hospital Outreach Post-suicide Engagement, and is aimed at people leaving an emergency department or medical ward following treatment for an attempted suicide.
The government's website says those eligible for the service are contacted within 24-hours of hospital discharge, and receive up to three months of support.
The program is designed to offer supports for each person's unique needs, such finding housing and employment, or referral to legal support, Centrelink, drug and alcohol or relationship and family services. Outreach workers also work with the person's family and friends.
The Mail-Times has contacted Ballarat Health Services for comment.
Mr Foley announced the HOPE program will also be rolled out to seven new sites at Box Hill, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Clayton, Heidelberg and Broadmeadows, Warrnambool and Mildura - completing the state-wide roll-out.
More to come.
- For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Rural Outreach Program 1300 OUTREACH (1300 688 732) info@ruraloutreach.org.au West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and
- Horsham Rural City Flying Doctor Wellbeing (03) 8412 0480 www.flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/ourservices/wellbeing/ West Wimmera, Yarriambiack & Buloke Shires
- Centacare & Family Relationship Centre Counselling & family relationship services and Victims Assistance 1300 303 988
- Christian Emergency Food Centre Emergency supplies & materials to Wimmera residents - 5381 2311 www.cefc.org.au
- Grampians Community Health Intake - 5358 7400 www.grampianscommunityhealth.org.au
- Headspace Horsham Youth Counselling 12-25 years 5381 1543 www.headspace.org.au
- The Salvation Army Horsham - 5382 1770 Kaniva - 5392 2304 Stawell - 5358 4072 Ararat - 5352 2720 www.salvationarmy.org.au/horsham
- Uniting Wimmera Family Counselling & Support 1800 195 114 www.unitingwimmera.org.au
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
