Three regional community mental health Step Up/Step Down services are one step closer to opening with non-government organisations appointed to operate the services.
Neami National has been awarded the tender to operate the 10-bed service that will be located in Geraldton and the 10-bed service that will be located in Kalgoorlie.
Today, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Alanna Clohesy and Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham inspected the progress of the Geraldton site.
In the last Mid-Year Review, the McGowan Government provided an extra $2.4 million to fast track the Mid-West service so it could open 12 months earlier than expected. Both the Mid-West and Goldfields services will open early next year.
Richmond Wellbeing has also been appointed to operate the six-bed Pilbara service which is expected to open later in 2021.
The WA Country Health Service will provide clinical supports as part of each of the services.
Community mental health Step Up/Step Down services provide a vital service for people with mental health issues, aiming to support people in the community, close to their personal support from family and friends.
The McGowan Government has invested over $87.6 million in capital and operational funding to progress the establishment of community mental health Step Up/Step Down services to better support local communities. Along with Mid-West, Goldfields and Pilbara, these include the Kimberley (six beds), South-West (10 beds) – which opened this year – and the Great Southern (6-beds) which opened in 2018.
Mental health, alcohol and other drug services in your local area can be found at https://www.myservices.org.au
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
“This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting all of us, wellbeing has become more important than ever and the McGowan Government is committed to helping ensure people can access help and support when they need it, close to their homes.
Our commitment to establishing regional community mental health Step Up/Step Down services has not wavered because we know people recover from mental health issues when they can receive care, support and treatment within their own community.
By appointing the service providers, we are one step closer to opening the services for the community.”
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Alanna Clohesy:
“I am pleased that these operators have been appointed and will soon start their transition for the service.
I look forward to seeing Neami, Richmond Wellbeing and the WA Country Health Service work together with communities to help improve mental health and wellbeing in our regions.”
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham:
“This much-awaited service in Geraldton will be of such a great benefit to the people of Geraldton and surrounds.
Many people I talk to highlight that mental health issues are an increasing concern, so this service will be opening up at the right time to provide more support in the community.”
