Operator of new northern suburbs mental health centre revealed

New details have been revealed about a mental health centre set to be established in the northern suburbs.

SUPPORT provider Neami will operate a new adult mental health centre, funded by the federal government, in Geelong.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network chief executive Rowena Clift said the new centre, which would operate under the name Head to Health, would be a significant addition to Geelong’s mental health support sector, providing a welcoming environment for people who may be experiencing distress or crisis.

The service is expected to be available by the end of the year.

The centre will have a permanent location in Geelong’s northern suburbs, and Neami is in the process of finalising suitable premises.

“The centre will provide an entry point for adults and their families to access information and services for supporting their psychological, physical, social and emotional health and wellbeing,” Ms Clift said.

“It will also offer a central point for connecting and referring people to other local services to ensure support is tailored to individual needs.

“I am delighted that WVPHN has been able to appoint Neami to deliver the new Head to Health service that I am sure will become a model for other mental support services

throughout Victoria.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Head to Health centre in Geelong would be among the first in a network of community mental health centres that will ensure that all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care.

“I’m delighted that this service will be open soon for the people of Geelong and will help

support and guide the creation of new services across the country,” Mr Hunt said.

Neami National chief executive Tom Dalton said they were excited to be working with the PHN and with their partners Drummond Street to deliver a new safe, welcoming and inclusive mental health support service for the Geelong community.

“Co-designed with people with a lived experience of recovery, carers and family, First

Nations people, mental health professionals, support services and first-responders, we are

ensuring that the service responds to and delivers what the community needs,” Mr Dalton said.

“Many of Geelong’s Head to Health staff will be in dedicated lived experience roles, providing unique and caring support from arrival to when someone is ready to leave.”

Originally published as Operator of new northern suburbs mental health centre revealed