New adult mental health and wellbeing centre to open in Midland
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People living in the Midland area will have access to free mental health and wellbeing services with the opening of a new Head to Health centre, thanks to the Morrison Government.
The centre will start delivering quality support to the people of Midland on 1 March, as part of a major national rollout of mental health services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, and Federal Member for Hasluck, Ken Wyatt, welcomed the opening of Perth’s Head to Health centre.
“More Australians are reaching out for help when it comes to mental health issues, ending decades of stigmatisation on the issue,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Midland Head to Health centre is among the first in a network of community mental health centres that will ensure all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care.
“The Head to Health centres provide a welcoming, stigma free, ‘no wrong door’ entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.”
Assistant Minister Coleman said the centre would provide a safe place for people experiencing high levels of distress, or who are at heightened risk of suicide.
“The Australian Government is committed to working towards zero suicides and transforming the mental health system so that all Australians can access the right care and essential services, when and where they need them,” Mr Coleman said.
“Accessibility is what the Midland Head to Health Centre is all about, providing support over extended hours, without a prior appointment and at no cost.
“So if you’re suffering high levels of distress, please reach out for the support that’s now available – don’t suffer in silence.”
Federal Member for Hasluck, Ken Wyatt, said the new Head to Health Centre would help the people of Midland and surrounding suburbs to get the support they need, when they need it.
“One in every 5 Australians — about 4 million people — suffer from a mental illness in any given year, and almost half the population experience a mental disorder at some time in their life,” Minister Wyatt said.
“This facility, and others like it across the nation, will help the people of Hasluck and all Australians to have access to help.”
“Through our Government’s $2.3 billion investment in the 2021-22 Budget, Australia is transforming the mental health system to ensure that all Australians can access, high-quality, person-centred care when and where it is needed.”
As part of the 2019–20 Budget, the Government committed $114.5 million to fund the trial of eight ‘Head to Health’ Adult Mental Health Centres, with one centre to be established in each state and territory.
This network is being expanded by 32 new sites through a further $487.2 million investment that is part of the record $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan announced in the 2021–22 Budget.
The expansion will add a further eight Centres and 24 satellites to start establishment across 2021-22 and 2022-23.
“Head to Health Centres will integrate with other services in the local region to offer seamless care pathways, ensuring carers and people who need support do not have to retell their story,” Mr Coleman said.
The service has been commissioned by the Perth North Primary Health Network and will be operated by St John of God.
Australians needing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Original content from The Hon Greg Hunt media page. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
