Healthy North Coast, the not-for-profit organisation delivering the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program for our region, has welcomed the recent announcement of new mental health service funding and the planned establishment of a Coffs Harbour Head to Health service.
Head to Health services are designed to be set up in convenient, central locations and to help to increase access to free mental health support for people over 18.
Monika Wheeler, Healthy North Coast’s Chief Executive, is pleased that Coffs Harbour has been named as one of seven new NSW Head to Health sites, part of a joint commitment by the Australian and New South Wales Governments of $45.7 million of new mental health funding over 4 years.
‘People living in and around Coffs Harbour will have access to a free walk-in service that can provide on-the-spot support,’ Ms Wheeler explained.
‘This will be the second Head to Health site for our region. Lismore’s Head to Health service opened in March 2022 after the floods and has provided close to 1,000 occasions of service to-date,’ said Ms Wheeler.
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.
Ms Wheeler said that Healthy North Coast will be responsible for contracting a suitable local provider to deliver the new service.
‘We have worked alongside the Mid North Coast Local Health District to submit the funding proposal and look forward to consulting with other local stakeholders to ensure the service meets the needs of the Coffs community.
‘Head to Health services are known for being welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental environments. Once established, clinical and peer support workers will be on hand to offer assessment, advice and care for people when they need it most.’
Ms Wheeler said cost of living pressures following on from the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and bushfires of recent years meant an increasing number of people are needing mental health support.
‘We all need to prioritise our mental health and wellbeing and the new Coffs Harbour Head to Health will be a welcome addition to the region’s existing services,’ Ms Wheeler said.
Even though walk-in locations for Head to Health services are still limited, people living anywhere in the region can call the free Head to Health 1800 595 212 number for mental health advice, information and local referrals. The phone service operates weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, except public holidays. However, it’s not a crisis service, and people needing immediate support can contact the Mental Health Access Line at 1800 011 511, Lifeline at 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467, or go to their nearest hospital emergency department in case of an emergency.
