New centre to boost mental health support
Wednesday, 19 January, 2022
A new 鈥樷�� centre has been launched in Darwin as part of a major national rollout of mental health support services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said, 鈥淲e know that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians.
鈥淭he government鈥檚 investment in Head to Health centres like this one in Darwin will boost mental health and wellbeing access and support. It will save lives and improve lives.鈥�
Assistant Minister David Coleman said, 鈥淗ead to Health centres are designed to provide a welcoming, low stigma, 鈥榥o wrong door鈥� entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.
鈥淔or local residents, better access to a multidisciplinary team operating over extended hours, without needing a prior appointment or paying a fee, makes it easier to ask for and get help,鈥� Assistant Minister Coleman said.
The centre will provide access to 鈥渃ulturally appropriate, high-quality, person-centred care 鈥� where and when they need it. It is a place where people can come to rest, yarn and heal,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he centre will provide a safe place for people experiencing high levels of distress or who are at heightened risk of suicide.鈥�
The service has been commissioned by the and will be operated by in partnership with .
As part of the 2019鈥�20 Budget, the government committed $114.5 million to fund the trial of eight 鈥楬ead to Health鈥� Adult Mental Health Centres, with one centre to be established in each state and territory, including $14 million for Darwin Head to Health.
Australians looking for 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 .
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through (13 11 14), (1800 55 1800), or the government鈥檚 digital mental health gateway, .
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide or are bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or
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