Mental Health & Counselling

Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals

We provide free, community-based mental health and wellbeing support for LGBTIQ+ people aged 26+ living in Dandenong, Melton, Bendigo, Echuca and Kyneton.

These services are part of Victoria’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Local network — helping people access the right care, close to home.

What are Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals?

Locals offer:

Free, voluntary support
No GP referral required
Group support in Dandenong & Melton. Learn more and sign up for our group here.
Face-to-face, outreach, phone and telehealth options
A ‘no wrong door’ approach — the locals help you find the right pathway
Each local is a different mix of organisations partnered together for support

Support focuses on daily living, rebuilding connections, education, employment, and navigating health and social services.

Who are they for?

People aged 26+ who are experiencing:

Mental illness or psychological distress
Co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges
Barriers to accessing traditional mental health services

How support works

You’ll work with LGBTIQ+ specialist clinicians and lived-experience peer workers to develop a plan that reflects your goals, needs and preferences.

We can also support families, carers and supporters.

Locations & contact

Bendigo
3/15 Hopetoun Street — (03) 5497 5600

Echuca
222 Ogilvie Avenue — (03) 5412 6600

Dandenong
29b Langhorne Street — (03) 8908 1800

Melton
223 Bridge Road, Cobblebank — (03) 8732 3200

Kyneton
47–49 High Street — (03) 4442 9100

Hours:

Call your local to confirm hours. In general:

Face-to-face support: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm
Phone & telehealth: Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm

Not sure if this is right for you?

You can also access support through our main Mental Health intake or through Thorne Harbour Country if you live near Bendigo.