Minister for Mental Health James Merlino today announced the beginning of the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) service in the Greater Shepparton region.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested $27.3 million to expand HOPE services state-wide, extend its service hours and referral pathways, and develop a new HOPE service for children and young people.
The opening of the HOPE service into the Shepparton region will create 7 new local jobs and deliver a model of care that is individually tailored, culturally specific, and promotes healing and recovery.
HOPE is a follow-up and aftercare service for people 16 years of age or more who attend a hospital in crisis or following a suicide attempt.
It provides a comprehensive program of clinical and community-based support to people who are at risk, helping them to identify and build strategies to prevent suicide.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System Interim Report recommended expanding the HOPE service from 12 to 21 areas throughout Victoria, ensuring greater rural and regional access to this important service.
Delivered by GV Health, the Shepparton service provides a 12-week program of clinical and social support tailored to individuals and their support networks including family, friends, carers, community cultural leaders and Elders.
The HOPE service responds to evidence that a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of a future attempt. This service has been highly successful, with consumers, carers and mental health workers reporting positive experiences and improved participant recovery rates.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“Victoria’s mental health system is broken but we want to get on with the job of fixing it. The HOPE service provides holistic clinical and social support to help people get back on their feet.”
“This new service in Shepparton means people who are in crisis can receive care and support in their community and is part of our commitment to building a better mental health system for all Victorians.”
