The Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect South East Metro Centre provides support to families, carers, supporters and kin of people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. The Connect Centre is a program of Better Health Network in partnership with Berry Street and VACCA.
The Centre is staffed by Carer Peer Workers who have a lived or living experience of mental illness and/or substance use as a family member or carer. Their lived experience means they can listen to, relate, understand and support people who want or need it. The Centre is a free service for families, carers and supporters of people with mental health and/or substance use challenges who live in the region. No referral or appointment is needed.
The South East Metro region covers 17 local government areas – Boroondara, Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Mornington Peninsula, Monash, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges.
Not in the South East region? Find your closest Connect Centre here.
Drop-in Times and Locations
Family members, carers, friends and supporters are able to drop-in at two locations to access information, peer support, and the opportunity to relax and take a break.
You do not need to make an appointment or have a referral – just drop in when it suits you.
Dandenong - Main Centre
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Connect - South East Metro
- 51 Robinson St, Dendenong
- Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm
- Parking is available at the rear of the centre. Access via Rodd Street.
Pakenham
- Living and Leanring Pakenham - Community Room 6B Henry St, Pakenham
- Monday (fortnightly): 1:00am to 4:00pm
Bentleigh
- Bentleigh BHN – Nepean Room
- Level 4,973 Nepean Hwy Bentleigh
- Wednesday: 9:30pm to 4:30pm
Mornington Peninsula
- Rotates on Thursdays between:
- Seawinds Community Hub, Capel Sound - first Thursday of the month: 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Kindred Clubhouse, Hastings - second Thursday of the month: 11:00am to 2:00pm
- Mornington, Venue TBC - third Thursday of the month: 10:00am to 4:00pm
South Melbourne
- BNH South Melbourne, Tom Hills Room
- 341 Coventry St, South Melbourne
- Friday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Support outside of drop-in hours is available by calling 9066 1500. Phone support is confidential and will be offered by peer staff who have a lived experience of caring for someone living with a mental illness.
More Information
If you’re an Aboriginal carer, or a carer of Aboriginal children, and would like more information, please contact:
- Sharon Blow, Cultural Practice Lead, SharonB@vacca.org
- Brittany Paxton, Learning and Development Worker, BrittanyP@vacca.org
For general information, please contact connectcentre@bhn.org.au