Today, the Muswellbrook Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially inaugurated by The Hon Assistant Minister Emma McBride and Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP. Commissioned by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), this new centre aims to provide mental health services for adults in the Hunter Valley who are facing emotional distress or life challenges.
Residents of the Upper Hunter can access these free services in Muswellbrook, Singleton, and Scone without needing a referral. Individuals seeking support can visit the Muswellbrook Medicare Mental Health Centre or call the national helpline at 1800 595 212 to book an appointment.
Funded by the Australian Government, the centre is commissioned by HNECC PHN and operated by the regional not-for-profit organisation Social Futures.
Community Support and Accessible Services
Tony Davies, CEO of Social Futures, highlighted the importance of accessible mental health care amidst the recent challenges faced by the community. “It’s been a tough few years, with cost-of-living pressures, the pandemic, and a lot of change and uncertainty. It’s understandable that many people are feeling stressed and often pushed to the limit,” Davies stated. He emphasized the bravery in seeking support and assured that the centre provides quality mental health care for a range of issues including family breakdowns, financial pressures, substance use, and work challenges.
Davies encouraged individuals to reach out, noting that the centre offers a safe and welcoming environment for those in distress or in need of guidance.
Streamlined Access to Mental Health Care
Richard Nankervis, CEO of HNECC PHN, underscored the centre’s mission to simplify access to mental health services. “Medicare Mental Health Centres are designed to enhance local service integration and offer a seamless care pathway for people to receive the right level of care at the right time to meet their mental health needs,” Nankervis explained. The centres adopt an episodic model of care, delivering evidence-based and family support for short-to-medium-term needs based on clinical judgement.
Government and Community Support
Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP, praised the new service, emphasizing its critical role in providing mental health support to the community. “Access to mental health services and support has never been more important for people in the Hunter. The new Medicare Mental Health Centre is a welcome addition and will offer ongoing support for people across our community who are struggling with their mental health.”
The centre’s multidisciplinary team includes psychologists, counsellors, mental health support workers, and peer workers, providing care through face-to-face, phone, or online consultations.
A Response to Mental Health Challenges
The creation of Medicare Mental Health Centres follows the findings of the 2021 Australian Productivity Commission report into Mental Health, which highlighted the complexity of the mental health system and the difficulty many people had in finding appropriate services. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted community mental health, prompting the development of the Head to Health model, now rebranded as Medicare Mental Health Centres.
Initially launched in Victoria to provide mental health support during the pandemic, these services have proven to be highly accessible and helpful, leading to their expansion across Australia.
Social Futures’ Role in Community Wellbeing
With 48 years of experience, Social Futures is dedicated to creating positive social change in regional Australia. The organisation works with individuals, families, communities, organisations, and governments across various areas including homelessness and housing, youth and family wellbeing, community inclusivity, and programs that promote participation for people with disabilities, supporting communities to thrive and individuals to live well.
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