Yarra Ranges residents will be able to access youth and family counselling along with GP and dental consultations from mid-April, after a new partnership between Inspiro and council.
Yarra Ranges Council is commissioning the healthcare provider to deliver youth and family counselling services from Tuesday 18 April.
Inspire took over the intake of new clients from Monday 20 March, while council’s small number of existing clients will be transferred to the new provider in coming weeks.
Council chief executive officer, Glenn Patterson, said Inspiro was set to take over the program from the start of the new financial year, but that the organisation had recruited a team of counsellors, including council employees, to provide a seamless transition.
“Inspiro offers dental, GP, drug and alcohol services under one roof, and it makes sense for them to carry on the brilliant work of council staff in counselling our young residents,” Mr Patterson said.
“There has been a proactive approach in preparing for the start of this new chapter, with additional management resources brought in to oversee the program.
“Because of the efforts of council and Inspiro staff, there will be no break in service availability for residents seeking help.”
Inspiro chief executive officer, Karyn McPeake, said that offering counselling would create pathways for clients enrolled in other programs, who might benefit from the service.
“While we provide one-on-one counselling, we also provide access to a wide range of health services,” she said.
“Even things as simple as going to a GP, which can be difficult for young people to access.
“Important, young people can access services where they need, as we are based at Tecoma-Belgrave and Healesville.”
Council and Inspiro will continue their partnership with a lease agreement of the Belgrave Health Hub from its expected opening in March 2018.
