13 May 2022
Boost to mental health services in Mayo│Media Release
The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon. David Coleman MP
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC
Senator for South Australia
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Mayo residents will have easier access to mental health services with the Morrison Government announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health centre in Mount Barker.
Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan CSC welcomed the announcement which will be a major boost to community-based mental health services in the region.
“The Morrison Government continues to make the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians a national priority,” Senator McLachlan said.
“We are committed to delivering greater mental health services to the people of Mayo and the founding of a Head to Health adult mental health centre in Mount Barker, has been made possible by a $14 million investment delivered over four years.
“Head to Health centres like the one being established here in Mayo are 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.
“The services are free and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.”
The Mount Barker Head to Health Centre is part of a network of community-based mental health services being established around Australia as part of the Morrison Government’s $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this was one of many Head to Health centres being established across the country, which will provide mental health support to Australians, when they need it.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians, and particularly younger Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that young people have access to care that can help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“We are committed to further expanding mental health services to ensure Australians can get support, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“These centres will provide that much needed support, as well as creating a safe space for Australians experiencing high levels of distress or who are at heightened risk of suicide.”
Liberal Candidate for Mayo Allison Bluck welcomed the funding announcement as a win for residents of Mount Barker and the greater Mayo region.
“The establishment of a Head to Health centre in Mount Barker is a massive win for this community,” Ms Bluck said.
“This service will ensure that the people of Mayo have greater and easier access to essential mental health services.
“I am very pleased that the Morrison Government continues to invest in our region and support key projects such as this, that truly improve the lives of those living in our communities.”
The Mount Barker Head to Health centre will be commissioned by the Country SA PHN which will receive a total of $14 million over four years to establish and operate the Centre.
The Head to Health Centre will be a stand-alone multidisciplinary mental health service providing immediate, and short to medium term mental health treatment and support for people in distress or with moderate to severe mental illness.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $3 billion in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
This brings the Health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2022–23 to a record high of $6.8 billion.
Unlike the Labor Party, which has not given Australians any detail on their plans for mental health, the Morrison Government will continue to ensure that all Australians can access information, advice, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).