NorthWestern Mental Health ‘HOPE’ services launched

The Minister for Mental Health, the honourable James Merlino joined by Sheena Watt MP officially launched 'The Way Back' to HOPE Northern Area Mental Health Service (NAMHS) based at the Northern Hospital, and the HOPE program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).

Bronwyn Halfpenny MP joined staff from HOPE program at the Northern Hospital to mark the occasion.

HOPE is a follow-up and aftercare service for people who have visited a hospital following a suicide attempt. It provides clinical and community-based support to help them build strategies to prevent future suicide attempts.

The 12-week HOPE program is tailored to individuals and their chosen support network. This may include family, friends, carers, community cultural leaders and Elders.

The program gives consumers the opportunity to be surrounded by a multidisciplinary team of community development workers and mental health clinicians, supported by a Consultant Psychiatrist.

The aim is to work with consumers and their carers to identify and connect them with suitable support networks.

During the 12-week HOPE program, people are supported to address factors that contribute to stress in their lives related to their unique circumstances and needs.

This can include assistance finding housing and employment, or referral to a range of support services, such education and training, legal support, Centrelink, drug and alcohol or relationship and family services.

Yvette Woodburn, HOPE team leader for the Northern Hospital service said it was great to see the program officially launched.

“We have now employed our whole team and are starting to see consumers through the service and look forward to starting this important work in the community,” Yvette said.

For more information regarding the Northern Hospital program, phone (03) 8405 2669.