As part of a major national rollout of mental health services, a Head to Health centre is now open in Darwin.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman and Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon, yesterday welcomed the official opening of Darwin’s new Head to Health centre at 16 Scaturchio Street, Casuarina.
“We know that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“Making sure people have access to quality mental health services no matter where they live is a Morrison Government priority.
“The Government’s investment in Head to Health centres like this one in Darwin will boost mental health and wellbeing access and support. It will save lives and improve lives.”
The services provided at the Casuarina centre will be recovery-focused, trauma informed and person-centred.
Assistant Minister David Coleman said, “Head to Health centres are designed to provide a welcoming, low stigma, ‘no wrong door’ entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.”
“For local residents, better access to a multidisciplinary team operating over extended hours, without needing a prior appointment or paying a fee, makes it easier to ask for and get help.
“The opening of this centre seeks to ensure people in Darwin and the region have access to culturally appropriate, high quality, person-centred care—where and when they need it. It is a place where people can come to rest, yarn and heal.
“The centre will provide a safe place for people experiencing high levels of distress, or who are at heightened risk of suicide,” he said.
Minister Hunt said the new Head to Health Darwin centre will also play an essential role in the community by supporting local GPs, private and public hospitals and emergency departments by providing accessible mental health care.
The service has been commissioned by the Northern Territory Primary Health Network and will be operated by Neami National in partnership with Larrakia Nation.
