Mental Health Cafe
Many people in our community struggle to access support after hours. Evenings and weekends can be a lonely and distressing time.
For this reason, a mental health cafÃĐ model has been co-designed to help address these issues. The WES (Wellbeing & Emotional Support) was developed by the community for the
community and is delivered by Lifeline Gippsland.
The WES provides a welcoming and safe space for anybody 16 years and over who may be
experiencing distress, in crisis or feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
If you or someone you support is experiencing distress, feeling isolated, overwhelmed or in crisis, you will be safe and welcome at The WES. You donât need a referral. Simply walk in.
The WES is staffed by a mix of mental health professionals and peer support workers who have had their own experience of mental health concerns or caring for and supporting someone who has, so you can chat with someone who understands. You can find out more about services and activities in our local area or simply stop by to relax and take time out.
The WES features:
- Peer support
- Coffee and a chat
- Library nook
- Social connection
- Breathing space
- Activity options
- Service referrals
Onsite will be a mental health professional and lived experience peer support workers.
The WES is completely free, and we can even arrange transport to and from The WES from anywhere in Latrobe City at no cost.
For more about The WES, head to:Â https://www.llg.org.au/services/the-wesÂ
Location
Address: 239 Princes Dr, Morwell VIC 3840
Open hours:
- Monday CLOSED
- Tuesday 4pm – 8pm
- Wednesday CLOSED
- Thursday 4pm – 8pm
- Friday 12pm – 8pm
- Saturday 10am – 6pm
- Sunday CLOSED
Development of Mental Health CafÃĐ model
With the support of Larter Consulting, a model tailored to the Valley has been developed. This model is a product of people with lived experience and service providers working together to design the right service for our community.
This work was initiated by members of the Mental Health Forum, which brings together local and state-wide providers, experts, and the community to focus on strategies and opportunities to enhance the mental health of the Latrobe Valley community. The mental health cafÃĐ concept was identified by the Forum as a way to provide a safe and welcoming space for mental health consumers to seek peer support and advice after hours.
The response to the co-design process has been strong, resulting in a model that reflects the needs and priorities of the Latrobe Valley community.
This model will be developed and implemented in 2022. It is envisioned that the cafÃĐ will:
- Increase opportunities for peer support and social connection
- Improve mental health consumer experiences and outcomes
- Reduce emergency department presentations for non-emergency mental health issues
