1500 people have helped at Peacock Centre in its first six months of operation

After it was gutted by fire eight years ago, and impacted by a second blaze in 2021, a walk-in North Hobart mental health service has helped 1500 Tasmanians since its doors opened six months ago. So what happens at the Peacock Centre?

Peacock Centre. Picture: Chris Kidd

The first thing you are likely to receive when you arrive at the Peacock Centre is a glass of water or a cup of tea.

Manager Mel Nichols said people who were in distress often did not eat or drink, so when people first present to the walk-in mental health service their basic needs are met before staff – usually peer workers with their own mental health challenges – assess what services clients need.

“People come in through the front door to be greeted by peer workers, they will have a bit of a chat about where they’re at, what their needs are, with no judgement whatsoever. And really focusing on a sense of kindness, compassion and understanding,” Ms Nichols said.

In its first six months of operating, the Peacock Centre has seen 1500 Tasmanians seeking help for mental health issues.

The North Hobart facility was gutted by fire in 2016 and redevelopment was further set back by a blaze in 2021.

The centre contains a 12 bed acute treatment unit, a walk in Integration Hub bringing together community organisations to provide mental health support, a Safe Haven for people in acute distress, and the Recovery College education program.

Ms Nichols said the redeveloped heritage building allowed mental health to be done differently.

Upstairs where the acute treatment unit is located, there a dining room, kitchen and lounge room.

Large windows overlook the centre’s historic gardens.

Family members are able to join patients for meals and to stay with patients while they settle in.

Peacock Centre, manager Mel Nichols. Picture: Chris Kidd

Senior clinician at the Integration Hub Jane Cooper said no referral was required.

Ms Cooper said the Hub, located at the front door of the Peacock Centre, was designed to have a non-clinical feel.

“Everything from the colours on the walls and soft furnishings, the lighting, it’s a low stimulus environment. People feel and do reflect that it’s very calming and very welcoming,” she said.

Key to the Hub and the Safe Haven’s are the peer workers, qualified staff who have experienced mental health challenges of their own.

Peer worker at the Safe Haven Sree Ramachandra said it was a rewarding role.

“It means a lot to me because my journey has been tough for me,” she said.

“I just want people to know it’s OK to reach out for help, and you are not alone and there is help.”

Premier and Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the Peacock Centre had transformed public mental health care during its first six months in operation.

Mr Rockliff said many of those who had accessed the centre’s services so far had been able to manage their mental health without ending up in hospital.

“The Peacock Centre has vastly increased community mental health resources in Tasmania, representing a significant shift from traditional hospital-based mental health care to recovery-focused community-based care,” he said.

“The holistic services offered at the Peacock Centre – from crisis services through to recovery and education – are such a valuable resource to the Tasmanian community and it’s important people know they are available.”

The redevelopment forms part of the Tasmanian government’s $20.7m investment in new mental health facilities in southern Tasmania.

A second mental health centre is slated to open at St John’s Park in 2025 with another Safe Haven, 15 short-stay beds, a Mental Health Integration Hub and co-located with the Statewide Tasmanian Eating Disorder Service.

Originally published as 1500 people have helped at Peacock Centre in its first six months of operation