Meli is proud to be part of the Homelessness Access Program (HAP), recently launched in Geelong.
Supported by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), the HAP program will run for 12 months and consists of two new trial services to help improve access to primary health care for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
As part of the program, Meli will employ a community nurse to help support young people aged 15 to 25 years who are accessing our Youth Homelessness services. The nurse will offer immediate health advice, support and assessment alongside referring clients to other relevant health services in the city.
At the same time, Neami National will expand its Towards Home+ Assertive Outreach service in Geelong to include a community nurse and a community rehabilitation and support worker.
The community nurse will attend drop-in sessions with young people and offer a proactive approach to engaging with young people’s health. Importantly, the Homelessness Access Program will integrate with existing services such as Headspace and Naemi, as well as Meli’s community nurses and Alcohol and Other Drugs team.
Meli CEO Grant Boyd said the Homelessness Access Program initiative represented a significant step forward in increasing primary care access for young people aged 15 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“We are proud to be part of this important project to ensure people in the Geelong region have a safe and supportive space where they can link in with support services and have someone take care of their health and wellbeing,” said Mr Boyd.
“We know that overcoming barriers to provide even basic healthcare is so important to improving people’s health, wellbeing, and self-esteem,” he said.
WVPHN Chief Executive Officer Craig Wilding said the two services would help address gaps in current primary health care support for vulnerable people living in Geelong.
Throughout the 12-month trial, WVPHN, Neami and Meli will work together to monitor the use and success of the services and share knowledge and experiences to deliver more integrated and inclusive primary health care support.
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