Australia’s 50th Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially opened this morning in the heart of Campbelltown.
The centre is located on the fifth floor of 8 Dumaresq Street, which is located between Australia Post and the Dumaresq Street Cinemas and within walking distance of Campbelltown station.
It will provide free, walk-in, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for the residents of Campbelltown and surrounding areas.
No referral, appointment or Medicare card is needed.
The support offered includes:
- immediate help and follow-up for people who are in distress
- support for people with mental health concerns
- support for carers and families of people experiencing mental health distress
- help connecting people with other services to support them in the future, from health to mental health, and social supports like housing and employment
South Western Sydney Public Health Network (SWSPHN) is funding Grand Pacific Health and its partners Odyssey House NSW, Relationships Australia NSW and Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, to provide the free mental health services at 8 Dumaresq Street.
People who need support can drop into the centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm.
Assistant minister for mental health and suicide prevention Emma McBride (pictured above cutting the ribbon) joined Macarthur MP Dr Mike Freelander, Werriwa MP Anne Stanley, State mental health minister Rose Jackson, Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound and representatives from SWSPHN, Grand Pacific Health, its partners and the community for the official launch.
SWSPHN acting chief executive officer Amy Prince said there were high levels of psychological distress in South Western Sydney, with an estimated 221,864 people or 19.8 per cent of the region’s population likely experiencing a mental illness in the 12 months to June 2024.
“The prevalence of mental illness in our region is expected to increase within the next 10 years, and Medicare Mental Health Centres are playing a key role in improving access to appropriate care,” she said.
“Many people experience mental health challenges. This centre will ensure any resident can walk in and receive support, without a referral and at no cost.
“SWSPHN is pleased to see the opening of a second Medicare Mental Health Centre in our region, at this site in Campbelltown which is easily accessible by public transport and newly fitted out to meet the needs of our community.’’
This is a fantastic initiative for the Campbelltown community. Having accessible, no-referral mental health support is absolutely crucial. It reminds me of the importance of a holistic approach to wellbeing, where mental and physical health are deeply connected. I was recently reading an article that discussed this very intersection, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions that affect both mental and cardiovascular health. It made me wonder, for someone who might be visiting the centre and also managing chronic pain with medications like Palexia, what should they know about the potential cardiovascular considerations? The piece on https://glocofit.org/navigating-pain-and-cardiovascular-health-an-insiders-look offered some really practical advice about balancing pain management with heart health through diet and mindful exercise. Would the staff at the new centre be equipped to provide guidance or referrals for this kind of integrated care, or is that something a visitor should primarily discuss with their GP?