With around one in five Australians aged 16-85 experiencing mental health challenges, Mental Health Month is an important reminder of the role we can all play in helping people seek the support they need. 

This year’s theme, “Together we Thrive,” highlights the power of connection. By starting conversations, supporting one another and making it easier for people to seek help, we can help build communities where people feel supported to access care when they need it and thrive. 

Connecting people with the right support 

At SEMPHN, mental health is a priority area. We commission a range of mental health services across south east Melbourne and work with consumers, communities and service providers to improve access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. 

A key part of this is helping people navigate what can be a complex mental health system. 

SEMPHN’s Access & Referral (A&R) team connects people with primary mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services within the south east Melbourne region, liaising with community members, service providers, consumers and carers. Over the past year, the team responded to 604 referrals, 556 self-referrals and 6,702 incoming calls.   

With three dedicated service lines including a dedicated GP line, community access line and the Medicare Mental Health phone line, the team provides information and support and helps connect people with appropriate SEMPHN-funded mental health and AOD services. 

Listening to lived experience is also central to improving mental health care. Working with consumers and communities helps ensure services respond to what people value and supports SEMPHN's commitment to consumer-focused health care, guided by the principle nothing about us, without us. 

Supporting mental health across our community 

Access to coordinated support can make a significant difference in a person's mental health journey, from early intervention through to treatment and support for people experiencing more complex mental health needs. 

Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC) for example, supports adults experiencing severe mental illness and complex needs who require care over an extended period of time. Referrals are facilitated through the SEMPHN Access & Referral team, helping connect people with the support suited to their individual needs.   

SEMPHN is also supporting communities experiencing trauma and heightened mental health needs. In April 2026, SEMPHN commissioned Relationship Matters and Connect My Mind to provide primary mental health care to people in south east Melbourne affected by the Bondi Beach attack and broader community trauma, regardless of faith or background. 

This work complements the Mental Health and Wellbeing (MH&W) Program delivered by Jewish Care providing free mental health and wellbeing services, including telehealth and outreach support and the Victorian Jewish Community Wellbeing Grants, supporting the wellbeing, safety and resilience of Victoria’s Jewish community.