Improving access to vital support

The Homeless Persons Program (HPP) team continues to find new ways to partner with local community initiatives supporting people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.

Launched during Homelessness Week, Quest Connect is a monthly drop-in program that brings together trusted local service providers and community members to foster stronger connections and improve access to vital support.

Based at community centre Bridge Darebin, the service provides a welcoming and relaxed environment for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, making it easier for them to access information and support all in one place.

HPP nurses Mandy Dean, Mei Mei and Kuda Gorah were on hand at the launch event to share important information about the services HPP provides in the local community.

Dee Loader, HPP Program Manager, said as well as providing a central location to support clients, Quest Connect was helping the team strengthen connections with local service providers.

Services available at Quest Connect include NDIS Local Area Coordinators, Services Australia, the Victorian Ombudsman, the Victorian Public Tenants Association, Legal Aid and financial counselling, and mental health and wellbeing programs.

“Through our involvement in Quest Connect, we are building valuable community networks, ensuring that those who are seeking help have streamlined access to a broad range of support,” Dee said.

“We look forward to deepening these partnerships and helping to build a more connected, empowered community.”

Another community initiative the team works closely with is Street Side Medics, which provides free mobile medical care to people experiencing homelessness.

In November, HPP nurses Julie Montario and Jennifer Heath attended the launch of the service’s newest van in Dandenong.

These are just a couple of examples of the many ways the HPP team supports people in the community.

This year our team of 63 community health nurses made 38,000 visits and delivered professional nursing care and support to more than 1,500 clients in Melbourne.

Banner image: HPP nurses Mandy, Kuda and Mei at Quest Connect.
Inline image: HPP nurses Julie and Jennifer with Grant Fenton, Victorian Manager Street Side Medics.