The new Goldfields community mental health step up/step down service will open next year, delivering a McGowan Government election commitment. The $5.63 million investment will improve mental health services for the people of the Goldfields.
The 10-bed service will be located on Davidson Street in Kalgoorlie. It aims to support people with their mental health while they continue to live in their community. In doing so it helps prevent the escalation of mental health issues, reducing the need for hospital admission and taking pressure off the busy emergency department at Kalgoorlie Health Campus.
Today’s announcement comes just three weeks after the McGowan Government provided an additional $3.8 million to expand acute inpatient mental health service capacity at Kalgoorlie’s hospital. It means a total of $10.48 million is now dedicated to public mental health services in the Goldfields.
Each year, one in every five Australians will experience a mental health issue and it is also estimated about three per cent of Australians live with a severe mental illness which without the right treatment and support can significantly impact their ability to function day to day.
Community mental health step up/step down services are currently operational in Joondalup (22 beds), Rockingham (10 beds) and Albany (six beds).
Community mental health step up/step down services are also planned for Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton and Karratha.
For support, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling or in a crisis situation call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Mental Health Emergency Response on 1300 555 788 (Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel), or Rurallink on 1800 552 002.
For more information on community mental health step up/step down services or to watch videos about the existing services, visit https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/stepupstepdown
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“This new mental health service will offer an additional service that can support people in the Goldfields region to manage their mental health, close to home.
“We are continuing to work to give Western Australians the support they need to manage their mental health issues early on, improve their health and wellbeing. Providing more support and treatment options, close to where people live, is a priority for the McGowan Government.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“Providing important facilities and services in our regions such as this new 10-bed mental health service in Kalgoorlie, is absolutely vital to support strong and healthy regional communities.”
