Locals struggling with their mental health will soon have access to free, walk-in support at a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown.
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
The centres are staffed by multidisciplinary care teams, including social workers, nurses and peer support workers, who provide wraparound support and care across extended hours.
The Campbelltown centre, which is expected to open in the second half of next year, will be one of two in South Western Sydney.
The Liverpool Head to Health Centre (pictured above) opened last year. It will transition to a Medicare Mental Health Centre before the end of 2024. The new name will not impact on the services currently available at the centre.
South Western Sydney Public Health Ntwork (SWSPHN) will commission a new service provider to deliver the service locally. The service provider will consult with, and co-design the new service with the local community.
SWSPHN chief executive officer Keith McDonald says the new centre in Campbelltown would join the Liverpool site in providing the region’s residents with even greater access to a safe and welcoming space to find the mental health support appropriate for their needs.
“Since July last year 588 people have reached out to the Liverpool Head to Health Centre for support, with 6892.5 hours of support provided. This reflects the very real need for this kind of service in our region,” he said.
“Medicare Mental Health Centres deliver free, easy-to-access, quality mental healthcare for adults with a short or medium-term need. There’s no need for people using the service to make an appointment or have a GP referral or Medicare card.”
The member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander, said the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown will be a welcome addition to the healthcare services available in this community.
“Getting professional support will help them directly but the benefits will flow through to families, workplaces and the whole community,’’ Dr Freelander said.
