Mental health - Murray PHN

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. It is a national health priority for Primary Health Networks and Murray PHN funds a range of services to help people get the care they need – because the earlier a person can receive help, the better the chance of their recovery is.

Murray PHN funded services

The national Head to Health phone service can help you find the best available mental health supports near you and can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays.

The first step is a discussion with a mental health clinician about your situation to determine the level of help you need. Depending on your needs, this could vary from information or advice, to counselling, or support from a specialist service.

For more information, help and resources, simply visit headtohealth.gov.au
headspace centres act as a one-stop-shop for young people aged 12-25 years old, who need help with work and study support, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or mental health.

headspace centres in the Murray PHN region are located in:
- - Albury Wodonga
  - Bendigo
  - Echuca
  - Mildura
  - Shepparton
  - Swan Hill
  - Wangaratta
Click on the location to be taken to contact information.
Psychosocial supports are services that work in partnership with people aged 16 years and older, who are significantly affected by severe mental illness and which has an impact on their associated psychosocial functional capacity and who are not supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The services, in partnership with families and carers (as appropriate), provide a range of non-clinical community-based support to individuals to achieve their recovery goals, including supporting people with:
- developing social skills and friendships
- building family relationships
- managing money
- finding and looking after a home
- developing work goals
- improving educational skills
- staying physically well, including with exercise
- support with drug, alcohol and smoking issues
- building broader life skills including confidence and resilience.
In our region, people living in Campaspe, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges local government areas can access support through Stride Mental Health:
- Belinda Pearson, Service Manager
- Phone: 0428 727 136
- Email: prs@stride.com.au
- Website: stride.com.au
In all other local government areas in our region, people can contact:
- Tegan Williams, Regional Manager
- Phone: 03 58228 610
- Email: prsmurray@wellways.org
- Website: wellways.org

Other supports

Help can be provided in a range of ways – one-on-one, in groups, in person, online and by phone – and by a number of people and services. If you’re not sure where to start, speak to your doctor or call Head to Health on 1800 595 212

Tailored support

13YARN – talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 13 92 76
Kids Helpline – young people aged 5 to 25 can call 24/7 to receive counselling support. Call 1800 55 1800
QLife – for LGBTIQA+ people to receive counselling and referral support from 3pm to midnight every day. Call 1800 184 527

Urgent support

Ambulance emergency services. Call 000
Lifeline – for 24-hour crisis counselling. Call 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – for 24/7 brief counselling support. Call 1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service – for 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467

Other support

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals – supports Victorian adults aged 26 years and older to get free mental health and wellbeing treatment and care. Available in: Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield, Greater Bendigo, Loddon and Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie and Moira and Mildura. Call 1300 375 330