18 December 2024
As the festive season approaches, feelings of stress, loneliness, or grief can become more overwhelming, especially when regular support services may be unavailable.
The After-Hours Mental Health Nursing Service (AHMHNS) offers vital support for individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns, such as anxiety, stress, depression, or grief, during evenings, weekends, and public holidays when other services are limited.
This free service helps reduce demand on hospital emergency departments, particularly at Box Hill and Eastern Health EDs, by providing timely mental health care and support to the eastern Melbourne community. Delivered by experienced and credentialed Mental Health Nurses (MHNs), the service offers brief interventions, follow-up, and connections to ongoing support where needed.
Who can use the service?
Anyone living within the EMPHN catchment can access this service free of charge. Support is available:
- In Person: 36 Wellington Road, Box Hill, Victoria
- Over the Phone: 1300 003 509 (free call)
- Telehealth: Accessible through phone or online platforms
No appointment is necessary. Health professionals, community services, and Box Hill ED staff can refer individuals to the service, or patients can self-refer. The AHMHNS Liaison Coordinator works closely with the ED Diversion Project to establish pathways that help individuals receive the care they need without presenting at emergency departments.
How can the service help?
The After-Hours Mental Health Nursing Service offers:
- Someone to listen to your concerns and needs
- Assistance in deciding the next steps to take
- Recommendations for ongoing support services
- Follow-up to check on your progress
Service hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6.00pm – 11.00pm
- Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 2.00pm – 7.00pm
For more information, visit the healthAbility website or contact the team:
- Phone: 1300 003 509
- Email: ahmhns@healthability.org.au
If you or someone you know is in an emergency or crisis, contact 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
