The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon. David Coleman MP
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash
Attorney-General
Minister for Industrial Relations
Senator for Western Australia
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
17 May 2022
Adult mental health services for Yanchep
Residents in Pearce will have easier access to mental health services with a re-elected Morrison Government today announcing that a new Head to Health adult mental health service will be established in the Yanchep area.
Liberal Senator for Western Australia, Michaelia Cash, said that the new facility, funded through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan in the 2021-22 Budget, would be an important boost to community-based mental health services in Perth’s outer North.
“The Morrison Government continues to make the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians a national priority,” Minister Cash said.
“Head to Health services, like the one being established in Yanchep, are designed to provide a welcoming, stigma-free entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.
“By providing free or low-cost mental health services, the Head to Health satellite will play an important role in helping the community in the Yanchep area to thrive in the coming years.”
The Yanchep satellite service will be part of a network of community-based mental health services being established around Australia as part of the Government’s $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this was one of many Head to Health services being established across the country to provide mental health support to Australians experiencing mental health challenges.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that everyone has access to care that can help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“We are committed to further expanding mental health services to ensure Australians can get support, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“These services will provide that much needed support, as well as creating a safe space for Australians experiencing high levels of distress or who are at heightened risk of suicide.”
Liberal candidate for Pearce, Linda Aitken, welcomed the commitment and said the service would play an essential role in keeping people in the community well by providing easy access to expert support in a safe and confidential environment.
“During the past two years, so many people have struggled with their mental health. It is really important that anyone who is worried about their own or a loved one’s mental health to reach out for support,” Ms Aitken said.
“The new service in Yanchep will make it easier to get access to that much needed care. The services are free, and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.”
The Yanchep Head to Health satellite service will be commissioned by the Perth North Primary Health Network (PHN) which will receive a total of $3.4 million over four years from 2022-23 to establish and operate the satellite. The PHN will consult with the local community to ensure that the satellite provides services in a way that meets their needs.
The service will be integrated within a primary care setting to offer support to adults with moderate to severe levels of mental illness over the short to medium term.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $3 billion in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
This brings the Health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2022–23 to a record high of $6.8 billion.
Unlike the Labor Party, which has not given Australians any detail on their plans for mental health, the Morrison Government will continue to ensure that all Australians can access information, advice, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
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