Health professionals are invited to have their say on the new Head to Health mental health support hub to be established in Coffs Harbour later this year.
Healthy North Coast, which is funding the new service through the Australian Government’s North Coast PHN Program, will host the 21 June workshop for clinicians, community members, consumers, carers, practitioners and service providers in Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas.
Announced in April this year, the Coffs Harbour Head to Health hub is one of seven new Head to Health sites in NSW and part of a joint commitment by the Australian and NSW Governments for $45.7 million of new mental health funding over four years.
Once established, it will be the second Head to Health site on the North Coast. Lismore’s Head to Health service opened in March 2022 shortly after floods hit the city.
Healthy North Coast Chief Executive, Monika Wheeler, said the free walk-in mental health services are designed to be set up in convenient, central locations and to help increase access to mental health support for people over 18.
‘A key part of the Head to Health service model is to localise it to regional needs, so it has a greater chance of meeting community expectations,’ Ms Wheeler said.
‘We want to make sure that the Coffs community has a chance to shape how the new Head to Health service should be delivered,’ she said.
Like Lismore and other established Head to Health locations, the Coffs Harbour service will offer immediate, short- and medium-term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs, including adults seeking help in times of crisis.
Following consultation, Healthy North Coast will invite local providers tender to deliver the service. Once established, clinical and peer support workers will be on hand to offer assessment, advice and care for people when they need it most.
As well as the walk-in locations, North Coast residents can freecall Head to Health on 1800 595 212 for mental health advice, information and local referrals.
The Head to Health phone service operates weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, except public holidays.
Register here for the workshop.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, email [email protected].
- Wednesday, 21 June 2023
- 10am to 2pm
- Cavanbah Hall, 191 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
Lunch will be provided.
Head to Health is not a crisis service. Anyone needing immediate support should contact:
- Mental Health Access Line – 1800 011 511
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- or go to their nearest hospital emergency department in case of an emergency.