News

New one-stop-shop for emotional wellbeing support

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 18:50:00

A major refurbishment of old office space is set to house a new Social and Emotional Wellbeing Hub for Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS).

The hub will place six key services under one roof, providing a best-practice approach to caring for people in a more family-friendly environment.
“We will have 16 staff working at the hub, offering programs such as alcohol and drugs counselling; mental health services; problem gambling; Swimming in two rivers; Bringing Them Home Program; and the Koori women’s diversion program,” MDAS Social and Emotional Wellbeing Manager Raelene Stephens said.
The construction of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Hub is being funded through the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.
Located on Orange Avenue, the hub is currently under construction, which involves significant refurbishment of the old Country Fire Authority (CFA) offices and an adjoining garage. When complete, it will be located between the MDAS Gym and the Early Years Hub, and close to other MDAS services.
“By having a number of programs in one place, and by being close to our other services, we can provide important support for people and their families, rather than simply dealing with an individual’s situation,” Ms Stephens said.
“This hub will offer a non-clinical environment with enhanced client confidentiality, which is just so important helping people feel comfortable to accessing social and emotional support.”
In addition to this, Ms Stephens said the hub will be a culturally appropriate space, that will provide the capacity for art therapy and group work.
“At this site, we’ll have more flexibility in how programs can be structured and delivered, and there will be more counselling space,” she said.
Work on the hub commenced in late February, with staff expected to move into the new space at the end of April, 2017.