New mental health program supporting Gold Coasters
A new mental health service on the Gold Coast will provide support to hundreds of residents struggling with the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 Recovery Service, delivered by Wesley Mission and funded through the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 Immediate Support Measures grant fund announced earlier this year, provides mental health support, referrals and practical assistance for anyone impacted by the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
Kris Sargeant, Director of Community Care and Inclusion at Wesley Mission Queensland said the new program was a direct response to increasing demand for mental health services as a result of COVID-19.
“We know that more than 100,000 people on the Gold Coast aged 15 or over are experiencing depression or anxiety1, a figure that we expect will increase as the full effects of the pandemic are realised,” Ms Sargeant said.
“Thousands of people have lost their jobs while others are dealing with social isolation and relationship and family issues, some may even have lost a loved one to COVID-19.
“All of these factors can all take a serious toll on a person’s mental health and wellbeing – this program is designed to help them get back on track and on the road to recovery.”
Wesley Mission Queensland is a leading provider of mental health and suicide prevention services on the Gold Coast. The COVID-19 Recovery Service helps people develop wellbeing and coping strategies, set new goals and connects them with other services in the community like Centrelink, employment services or financial counselling.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles welcomed the new COVID-19 Recovery Service delivered by Wesley Mission.
“This new service will be essential for communities on the Gold Coast who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Miles said.
“It will support people who have experienced a severe decline in their mental health as a result of social isolation or COVID-19 restrictions.
“This funding is part of the $30 million injected by the Palaszczuk Government into more than 130 Queensland community-based health service groups through the COVID-19 Immediate Support Measures NGO grant funding we announced earlier this year.”
Ms Sargeant said now more than ever, it was vital for people to reach out for help.
“2020 has been a hugely challenging year for so many in our community. If you are struggling with your mental health or caring for someone struggling with the impacts of COVID-19, our qualified mental health professionals are here to support you.”
The COVID-19 Recovery Service accepts self-referrals and referrals from professionals and is open to anyone aged 16 years and over.
For more information visit the Wesley Mission Queensland COVID-19 Recovery Service webpage.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wesley Mission Queensland Corporate Affairs| 0437 581 289 | [email protected]
WESLEY MISSION QUEENSLAND
Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) is a not-for-profit community service provider that offers community support, hardship and emergency relief, mental health services, aged, disability and palliative care, and retirement living across Queensland. WMQ operates as a mission activity of the Albert Street Uniting Church to provide accessible and flexible services to older people, those living with a disability or mental illness, and vulnerable children and families. Wesley Mission Queensland also operates Queensland’s only children’s hospice, Hummingbird House. Visit www.wmq.org.au or call 1300 403 198.