Site works have commenced at Davidson Street in Kalgoorlie for the new community mental health step up/step down service for people in the Goldfields region, delivering a McGowan Government election commitment.
Construction of the 10-bed short-term, residential and contemporary mental health service is due to be completed by November next year.
The service will provide support for people experiencing issues with their mental health in a residential style setting, close to support from their family and friends.
Step up/step down services can help reduce hospital admissions by providing help to people experiencing a mental health episode in the community, and they can also serve as a short-stay transition for people being discharged from hospital.
The McGowan Government has this year invested an extra $10.48 million in public mental health services in the Goldfields; $5.63 million for the step up/step down service and an additional $3.8 million to expand the acute inpatient mental health service at Kalgoorlie hospital.
The McGowan Government has invested more than $28 million in capital funding to establish community mental health step up/step down services in Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Karratha. This funding is in addition to almost $6 million in 2019-20 provided for the existing step up/step down services in Joondalup, Rockingham and Albany.
For support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling, or visit your general practitioner. In a crisis situation call Lifeline on 13 11 14 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:
“We know people recover from mental health issues when they can receive care, support and treatment within their own community, close to where they live and their family and friends.
“This is why the McGowan Government is investing almost $30 million in community-based treatment in regional areas.
“I am pleased to see the delivery of this McGowan Government election commitment move a step closer so we can provide a vital service to the residents of the Goldfields. These 10 beds will help people avoid the need to stay in hospital or help people transition from hospital back into the community.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“This new service will make a huge difference to people in the Goldfields who need immediate support for their mental health.
“The step up/step down 10-bed centre will fill a gap in mental health services in our community and is something I know people here have been very keen to see delivered.
“This kind of service is super important for regional areas so people can recover close to home, in their own town with friends and family nearby.”
Minister’s office – 6552 6500
