By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
BAND-AIDS don’t heal mental illnesses, nor do websites – but this one can put you on the right track.
It’s a site specifically designed for the outer south-east growth region and can link its users to the best local mental health services for them.
Developed by not-for-profit mental health service, Ermha in conjunction with Partners In Recovery, the ‘Mental Health Compass’ aims to beat the confusion around service providers.
Launched in May this year the website comes as the State Government boosts the mental health sector with $14 million for a revamp of Monash Children’s Hospital’s facilities.
The cash injection is set to go towards a ‘Early in Life Mental Health Service’ (ELMHS) to be integrated into the new children’s hospital.
The Victorian Government’s 10-year Mental Health Plan has seen a State investment of more than $43.48 million, over four years, to support the mental health of children.
Mental health practitioner, trainer and project officer on Ermha’s new online tool, Tamara Stillwell understands firsthand how mental illnesses don’t discriminate with age.
“One in two people will suffer a mental health issue in their lives and one in five will develop a mental illness,” Ms Stillwell said.
“Mental illness is one of the most pressing issues of our times. Not only does it cause intense suffering for many people, it can cause relationship and family breakdowns, and losses in productivity.
“The cost to Australian businesses is over $6.5 billion a year. The cost to taxpayers is over $8 billion a year.”
Ms Stillwell said the site aimed to ease one area of the intricate issue.
“Mental health by its very nature is complex and our mental health systems are often difficult for clients and their families to navigate,” she said.
“The Compass was built because it was noted by consumers, carers and service providers that our mental health and social services system was often confusing and difficult to understand.”
A range of in-the-know professionals worked together to build the Compass, which links users to regional on-the-ground services, websites, mental health legislation and helplines which specialise in a range of conditions including: trauma and abuse, homelessness, bullying, alcohol and other drugs, gambling and family violence.
Ms Stillwell said the Compass was originally developed for the City of Casey, the City of Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire, but was now being extended to include services in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
“Local residents have a consumer-friendly tool that gives them an overview of mental health and social services, to empower them to make more informed choices for themselves, or the people they are caring for,” Ms Stillwell said.
