18 May 2022

Adult mental health facility earmarked for Mt Barker │Mount Barker Courier

By LOUIS MAYFIELD

An adult mental health centre will be established at Mt Barker as part of a four-year, $14m investment by the Federal Government.

The Head to Health centre will be part of the Government's $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan aimed at delivering landmark reform of the country's mental health system. It will be a standalone mental health service which provides short and medium term mental health treatment for those in distress or with moderate to severe mental illness.

SA Senator Andrew McLachlan said Head to Health centres were designed to provide a "welcoming, caring and respectful" space for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.

"I encourage people who are worried about their own or a loved one's mental health to visit this centre, you don't have to go it alone," he said.

"The services are free and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed."

Liberal candidate for Mayo Allison Bluck said the funding was a win for the residents of Mt Barker and the greater Mayo region.

"This service will ensure that the people of Mayo have greater and easier access to essential mental health services," she said.

"I am very pleased that the Federal Government continues to invest in our region and support key projects such as this which truly improve the lives of those living in our communities."

The centre will be established and operated by the Country SA Primary Health Network (PHN).

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