The Andrews Labor Government is investing in vital support for vulnerable Victorians who need it most with an expansion of services in Prahran.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines today announced almost $500,000 in the Victorian Budget 2022-23 for Uniting Prahran to expand capacity to provide emergency relief, as well as upgrade facilities for people who are seeking mental health, employment and family violence services.
The funding will also support the recruitment of a mental health duty worker for a 12-month pilot program.
Uniting Prahran has been operating in the local community since 1946, with a mission to walk alongside those experiencing disadvantage, economic hardship and poverty, challenging stigma and discrimination, and creating a more inclusive local community.
Uniting Prahran provides aid and food support to 21,247 people every year through their emergency relief services and Hartley’s Meal Program. Hartley’s Meal Program provides hot meals for people feeling socially isolated and struggling with mental health issues, delivering almost 20,000 free and low-cost meals a year.
Services run from Uniting Prahran include emergency relief, Disability Employment services, Orange Door services, Hartley’s Café and Community Meals program, an on-site op shop, Lifeline Melbourne, Voices Vic, community mental health services and NDIS support.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
“We are delivering support for those most in need.”
“For Victorians facing vulnerability, the pandemic has presented another layer of hardship, whether that be amplifying existing mental health issues, or making it more difficult to put food on the table.”
Quote attributable to Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Nina Taylor
“This boost in support for vulnerable Victorians will provide the Prahran community with the help they need, where they need it.”
Quote attributable to Uniting Victoria CEO Bronwyn Pike
“We welcome the additional funding that will allow us to deliver 8,000 extra meals a year to vulnerable people in the community and better assist people presenting at our service with complex mental health issues.”
Reviewed 06 May 2022