The Gladstone community will have greater access to free mental health care and support with the announcement of a new Head to Health adult mental health service.
This new service builds on the existing network of services in Queensland. Head to Health services are currently available in Townsville and new services in Ipswich and Kingaroy will open later this year.
Once operational, the Gladstone Head to Health service will 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, GP referral or paying a fee.
The new Head to Health service will be co-designed with the Gladstone community to make sure it provides the right services and support for local people in need.
Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement bilateral schedule, the Australian and Queensland Governments are working in close partnership to address service gaps.
Together, the Australian and Queensland Governments will provide $2.4 million over three years to the Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network (Country to Coast Queensland PHN) to commission this new service.
Anyone can access Head to Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting their nearest service. See more information.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“We are working to make sure all Australians have access to care and support when and where they need it.
“We have funded this new Head to Health service and work will soon begin to determine what services are needed to best help the Gladstone community.
“The new Head to Health service means that the Gladstone community will have access to mental health support and advice closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman:
“Queenslanders deserve the best mental health care, no matter where they live.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $1.645 billion towards improving mental health, alcohol, and other drugs services, to make it easier for people in the Gladstone region to access support closer to home.
“Head to Health will expand community-based options for people experiencing mental health and suicidal crises and take pressure off our emergency departments.
“The Palaszczuk Government is pleased to be partnering with Commonwealth Government to bring mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs support closer to home.”
