- Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is dedicated to people who are supporting someone living with mental health and substance use challenges or psychological distress.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres aim to provide families, carers and supporters of all ages with the vital networks they need to keep caring for their loved one, while still looking after their own wellbeing.
- Support is free, and no referral is needed. The service can be accessed in-person without an appointment or via phone or online booking.
On this page
About Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is dedicated to those who are supporting people living with mental health and substance use challenges or psychological distress.
Led by people with lived experience of supporting someone with mental health challenges, Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres recognise families, carers and supporters as individuals with their own wellbeing needs.
Getting support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres may be directly accessed in-person via walk-in (no appointment required), or via phone and online booking for tailored support.
Support from a Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre is free, and you do not need a referral or Medicare card.
You can access support from any location across Victoria, it does not have to be the one closest to your home address.
Main centres have a wide range of support available, including:
- peer worker support
- psychological and wellbeing supports
- help navigating the mental health and wellbeing system
- access to hardship funds
- education and practical support.
Secondary centres provide a select range of supports, compared to those available at main centres.
Outreach support, where we come to a location that suits you, is also available in selected regions.
Call your chosen Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre for more information.
Find your nearest service
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centres opening hours may vary between locations. Visit each provider’s website below for the latest information.
| Location | Contact details |
|---|---|
Bairnsdale (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Traralgon (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Wonthaggi Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. | Tel. 1300 000 717 |
15 Dawson Street North, Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. | Tel. 1800 962 008 |
Wangaratta (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Shepparton Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Wodonga | Tel. 1800 572 129 |
Bendigo (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Mildura (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Swan Hill | Tel. 1800 979 730 |
Geelong (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. Warrnambool Open for walk-ins or call for support. Outreach available. | Tel. 1300 000 717 |
Dandenong (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. South Melbourne Open for walk-ins at select times. Call for more information or support. Pakenham Open for walk-ins at select times. Call for more information or support. Bentleigh Open for walk-ins at select times. Call for more information or support. Mornington Peninsula Open for walk-ins at select times. Call for more information or support. Hastings (secondary centre): Open for walk-ins at select times. Call for more information or support. Capel Sound (secondary centre): Open for walk-ins at select times. Call for more information or support. | Tel. (03) 9066 1500 Email: |
Ivanhoe (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. Ashburton Open for walk-ins or call for support. Belgrave Open for walk-ins or call for support. Eltham Open for walk-ins or call for support. Lilydale Open for walk-ins or call for support. | Tel. (03) 8850 4150 |
Sunshine (main centre): Open for walk-ins or call for support. | Tel. 0429 564 269 |
Current Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect providers are:
- Gippsland: Wellways Australia (lead) with Satellite Foundation
- Grampians: Mind Australia (lead) with Grampians Community Health and Ballarat Community Health (partners)
- Hume: Gateway Health
- Loddon Mallee: Mind Australia (lead) with Mallee Family Care
- Barwon South West: Wellways Australia (lead) with Satellite Foundation
- Southeast (metro): Better Health Network (lead) with Berry Street and VACCA (partners)
- Northeast (metro): Access Health and Community (lead) with Self Help Addiction Recovery Centre (SHARC), healthAbility, and Inspiro (partners)
- Western (metro): Jesuit Social Services.
Crisis support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect is not a crisis service.
In an emergency which is life-threatening or where there is immediate risk of harm to anyone, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call on 13 11 14.
More mental health and wellbeing support
All services are family and carer inclusive and will provide education and support to families, carers and supporters of individuals experiencing mental illness and/or substance use concerns:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals – for adults aged 26 and over, Locals provide treatment, care and support close to home.
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals – for children aged zero to 11 years who may be experiencing developmental, emotional, relational and behavioural challenges.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs – for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or having a difficult time.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
