It’s had a name change but he Liverpool Medicare Mental Health Centre continues to provide a safe and welcoming place that offers free mental health support.
Previously known as Head to Health, the centre has been renamed as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to increasing access to free mental health services across the country.
People don’t need an appointment, referral or Medicare card to get support, and the service is available to people who are not Australian citizens or residents.
Operated by Neami National and funded by South Western Sydney Public Health Network (SWSPHN), Liverpool Medicare Mental Health Centre is staffed by a team of mental health professionals and peer support workers with lived experience of mental health challenges.
This model of care is already making an impact in communities across the country.
Early evaluation of Neami-operated centres, in partnership with The ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation, found that guests consistently felt safe, welcomed and listen to – often for the first time.
The evaluation found that around one-third of guests were seeking support for the first time and 26 percent said they wouldn’t have sought help elsewhere.
Also, 97 percent of guests reported feeling safe, and 93 percent of guests felt that their care focused on what mattered to them.
These results suggest that these services are offering a welcoming point of entry to mental health support, serving the needs of the people they’re aiming to support, and providing an alternative to hospital emergency departments.
Neami National director of mental health hubs Peter Warden says that whether you’re reaching out for the first time, have experienced mental health challenges in the past, or are worried about someone you care about, the centre is here to help.
“We know that guests who’ve visited Medicare Mental Health Centres value the compassionate, non-judgmental support the centre provides,” Mr Warden said.
“The centres fill a gap in the mental health system, reaching people who may otherwise go without support. Guests have reported feeling safe, seen, heard and supported, often for the first time.”
The Liverpool Medicare centre is part of a broader initiative by the Australian Government to improve access to mental health care across the country.
SWSPHN chief executive officer Keith McDonald says the on-the-spot and holistic care provided through Medicare Mental Health Centres ensured clients received support which was immediate and appropriate to their needs.
“It’s encouraging to hear of the positive experiences of clients who have used the service – to know they feel listened to and safe,” he said.
“The key to the success of the service is fast connection to a trained mental health clinician coupled with access to peer support workers who understand and can empathise.”
Liverpool Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 203 Northumberland Street.
For more information, visit the Liverpool Medicare Mental Health Centre website or call 1800 595 212.