The State Government has announced a funding boost for Gippsland's mental health services.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley announced funding of nearly $400,000 to boost innovative mental health and wellbeing programs, in the community.
"We know the Gippsland community has had to deal with significant fire and drought conditions in recent times and this funding ensures they get the support it needs," Mr Foley said.
"These innovative mental health programs have been designed in consultation with farmers, to help those who have been impacted by drought or dry conditions and who are feeling isolated and vulnerable and unlikely to seek help."
The $395,000 funding is part of the government's $1.89 million drought package to support the mental health and wellbeing of drought affected farming communities.
It comes on top of a $46million Drought Relief Package.
Read more: Drought crippling East Gippsland farmers
The initiative will be delivered through a Drought Mental Health and Wellbeing Partnership, led by Gippsland Lakes Community Health, and includes eight key mental health and community organisations.
Organisations will be working together to improve access to services for people who may not usually seek out, or have easy access to assistance.
The mental health support aims to provide additional approaches to traditional service-based counselling, so farmers who cannot leave the farm, or those who are isolated and unlikely to seek help, are still supported.
