SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
EMMA MCBRIDE MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH
EMMA DAVIDSON MLA
ACT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
A NEW HEAD TO HEALTH SERVICE FOR CANBERRA
Work will soon be under way to establish a new, free Head to Health adult mental health service in Canberra.
This new service will complement the current Canberra Head to Health Centre located in Civic at 14 Childers Street.
Head to Health services provide a safe and welcoming place for adults to access mental health information, services and support. Services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams over extended hours, without needing an appointment, GP referral or paying a fee.
Services include immediate support and follow-up for people presenting in crisis, as well as short to medium term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs.
The new Head to Health service will be co-designed with the Canberra community to make sure it provides the right services and supports for people in need.
Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the Commonwealth and ACT Governments committed to work together to address service gaps and provide more integrated, seamless mental health care.
The Australian Government will provide $3.5 million over 4 years to the Capital Health Network (ACT Primary Health Network) to commission this new service.
Anyone can access Head to Health services by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting Canberra Head to Health at 14 Childers Street, Canberra. For more information go to https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/supporting-yourself/head-to-health-services.
Quotes attributable to Minister Katy Gallagher:
“More Canberrans will soon have access to free mental health services with the Albanese Government funding a second Head to Health Centre in the ACT.
“The Albanese Government is investing in health and breaking down the barriers for people seeking support.
“These services will be available without a referral, without an appointment and free of charge.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
“Making sure Australians can access the mental health care they need, when they need it, is an Albanese Government priority.
“We have funded this new Head to Health adult mental health service in the ACT and work will soon be under way to determine its location and what services are needed to best serve the Canberra community.
“The Albanese Government is working with all states and territories to make mental health support more accessible for people wherever they live.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Emma Davidson:
“The ACT is actively working with the Commonwealth Government to provide more integrated, accessible mental healthcare services for Canberrans. I’m proud to see this work coming to fruition.
“More Head to Health services mean more Canberrans accessing mental health support when they need it. No appointment, GP referral, or fees. This is what truly accessible healthcare looks like.”
TUESDAY, JULY 4 2023
