Step Thru Care offers free mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) supports.

People experiencing mental health challenges, substance use challenges, or a combination of the two can access Step Thru Care.

Providing combined supports in one place means people experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges don’t need to re-tell their stories to multiple people or services.

The Step Thru Care team has diverse backgrounds and expertise – and includes people who have their own experience of mental health and substance use challenges. This helps to create a culturally safe, accessible and inclusive service.

Collaboration is an important part of the Step Thru Care model – in Geelong, it’s delivered by Neami National, in partnership with Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery, Drummond Street Services and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Step Thru Care is funded by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN).

Eligibility

Step Thru Care supports people with low-level, mild and severe mental health needs and/or substance use challenges.

Step Thru Care is a free service.

Priority groups eligible for Step Thru Care include people:

• on low income
• living in rural and remote communities who don’t have access to other appropriate services
• in areas impacted by natural disaster
• experiencing short-term displacement or homelessness
• who identify as LGBTIQA+
• who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
• with an intellectual disability
• aged under 12
• experiencing perinatal depression
• experiencing or at risk of family violence.

Referrals

Referrals to Step Thru Care can come from anywhere – including from a GP or directly from people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges (self-referrals).

There’s no need for a referral, you can just call us on 1800 595 212 to get the support you need.