Program continues

A MENTAL health program in Dandenong will continue for at least three more years after receiving almost $1.3 million in federal funding.
Mind Australia received the funding to continue its Personal Helpers and Mentors program in the Dandenong region, Federal Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus announced last week.
The program began in 2008 and assists people with a range of mental illnesses. Participation in the program is voluntary.
Acting team leader for the program Sally Davies said the funding allowed five full-time staff to continue working with the 52 participants currently being assisted through the program.
“Personal Helpers and Mentors relies on Federal Government funding, and we would not have been able to continue operating without this latest funding announcement,” she said.
“This means that Mind Australia can continue to support people with mental illness in our local community, equipping them with the tools to turn negatives in their lives into positives.”
Mr Dreyfus said that this program was very beneficial.
“The fantastic work that the staff at Mind Australia do through this program allows people with mental illness to navigate through systems like Centrelink or the Department of Housing,” he said.
“The organisation’s focus on mental wellness allows the participant to feel comfortable, which means that staff or volunteers will go out and work with the participant at their residence and mentor them at their speed.”