Mental health milestone: local provider to operate new service

The establishment of new adult mental health services in the region is one step closer after Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) announced the signing of a provider for the Head to Health service, which will provide a new way for adult Australians to access free, quality mental health care.

The service is designed to offer a welcoming, low-stigma entry point for people experiencing distress or crisis, and locally based mental health provider Grand Pacific Health will commence operations for the new Head to Health services in Wagga Wagga and Young from mid-2024.

Services are co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments and MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said they will help address gaps in available mental health services.

“We met with mental health professionals, primary care providers, consumers and carers from Young and Wagga last year to ensure our plans complement the existing services,” Ms Neal said.

“We have many dedicated and passionate professionals working in mental health in the Murrumbidgee. These new services aim to be well connected with existing primary care providers to ensure our communities receive a continuum of care.”

MPHN has worked in partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to bring the service to fruition. MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the two organisations were united in the desire to address the region’s poorer health outcomes.

“We know people living in rural and regional areas face greater challenges when seeking mental health care,” Ms Ludford said.

“Having a dedicated Head to Health service in two communities which particularly needed additional mental health support is a great achievement, and we hope many people will benefit from the services.”

Grand Pacific Health CEO Adam Phillips said he was committed to integrating the new Head to Health service with current services in the region to offer holistic care.

“We’ll be reaching out to the community to find out what people want the look and feel of their local Head to Health service to be,” Mr Phillips said.

“It’s going to operate in a new, flexible way, and we’re really looking forward to getting started.”

Head to Health services provide a safe and welcoming place for adults to access mental health information, services and supports delivered by multidisciplinary care teams over extended hours, without needing a prior appointment or paying a fee. Services include short to medium term care for adults with moderate to severe mental health needs and immediate support and follow up for people presenting in crisis or distress.

This activity is part of the New South Wales (NSW) Bilateral Schedule on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention which is a partnership between the Commonwealth and NSW governments. Bilateral activities aim to support improved mental health and suicide prevention outcomes for all people in New South Wales, through collaborative efforts to address gaps in the mental health and suicide prevention system.