Located in central locations where the community meets, these new centres make free mental health care accessible for anyone over 18; no Medicare card is required. The centres provide immediate, short, and medium-term care while connecting individuals to the most appropriate services for their ongoing needs.
The Hon Emma McBride MP, Australian Government’s Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, attended the opening of both sites on 22 January, where she met the new team members and participants who have already received help and support, prior to the official opening.
Ms McBride also highlighted the important role peer work plays as part of the new service offerings to the wider Rockhampton and Gladstone communities.
“Someone who has walked in your shoes is often the best person to help you navigate your own experience. They can see that there is a pathway to recovery”, McBride said.
The services are delivered by highly trained multidisciplinary care teams made up of clinical staff and peer workers. A peer worker is a team member who has lived experience of mental health challenges and who welcomes each person to understand how their needs can be best addressed.
The opening was also attended by senior leaders of the two providers delivering the service, Wellways and Clarity Health Care.
“We are excited to welcome the local communities to their new Medicare Mental Health Centres,” said Laura Collister, CEO of Wellways. “They are a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care, and we look forward to developing strong and trusted relationships that will make them a place where people receive personal and valued services that are guided by lived experience.”
The Hon Emma McBride MP
Laura Collister, CEO Wellways, and Dr Matthew Warden, Chief Medical Officer, Clarity Health Care
The new Medicare Mental Health Centres provide support in person, over the phone, or via video. All services are also available to family members, carers, and friends who can themselves access multidisciplinary services.
“With Clarity Health Care and Wellways’ multidisciplinary team of peer workers, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses, we are looking forward to providing comprehensive mental health services that are tailored for each individual’s recovery journey, and delivered in a safe, inclusive environment,’ said Dr. Matthew Warden, Chief Medical Officer, Clarity Health Care.
Funded by Country to Coast, QLD, through the Australian Government’s PHN program, these two new locations are part of a wider services network that also includes sites in Bundaberg and on the Sunshine Coast, where permanent sites will be opening soon.
Find out more about Wellways-led Medicare Mental Health Centres.