South Coast residents will have access to additional free walk-in mental health care services with the establishment of a new Head to Health service in Moruya.
The service will receive $3.5 million over four years from the government, with the service expected to be set up by mid 2023.
Head to Health provides short to medium term care for adults with moderate to severe levels of mental health needs and immediate support and follow up for people presenting in crisis or distress.
Services are provided by a multidisciplinary team which includes psychologists, social workers, alcohol and other drug workers and peer workers.
All services provided by Head to Health are fully government funded, free to access, and there is no need for an appointment or GP referral.
The Australian and New South Wales Governments have jointly committed $45.7 million over four years to establish and operate new services in several regional locations under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
Head to Health services will simplify access to mental health advice and support, making quality information and care more accessible for people across New South Wales.
For more information on Head to Health services, click HERE.
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said it’s wonderful news for the South Coast.
“Access to quality healthcare services in the regions is so important, I am delighted that we will establish a new Head to Health Facility in Moruya,” Ms Phillips said.
“These services will make it easier for people in Moruya and surrounds to access the help they need, when they need it,” she continued.
“The multidisciplinary team providing services at Head to Health will ensure that residents of Moruya and surrounds have more access to the support they need and deserve to manage their mental health needs.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said hospitals are not always the right environment for someone suffering from mental health concerns.
“Access to mental health services in the regions has been an ongoing issue, however with this joint commitment from the NSW and federal Governments for this Head to Health service in Moruya is a much-needed lifeline for the community,” Dr Holland said.
“I’ve heard about the struggles our constituents have faced trying to seek help after some very hard years, including ongoing affects of the Black Summer Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a walk-in service that doesn’t require a referral means making that first step to seek help could be all that much easier,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see this free multidisciplinary service coming to our region”
Image: Dr Michael Holland
