New northern suburbs mental health centre delayed

A new mental health centre in Norlane has been pushed back as new figures reveal more people are struggling in the northern suburbs.

A new mental health centre in Norlane has been delayed as figures reveal more people are struggling in the northern suburbs.

According 2021 census data, 14.8 per cent of respondents from the 3214 postcode, covering Corio, Norlane and North Shore, reported having a mental health condition, while Greater Geelong was 11.1 per cent.

Across Victoria and nationwide, 8.8 per cent of people reported they had a mental health condition, which included depression and anxiety, the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed.

In March the Liberals, then in government, said a purpose-built Head to Health site in Norlane was expected to be fully operating by June.

The service was commissioned by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network.

Rowena Clift, the primary health network’s chief executive, confirmed national building supply and transport logistics had caused some delay to the new bespoke premises.

“The facility will be opening later this year,” she said.

“Head to Health has been operating across northern Geelong since December 2021.

“The service can be accessed over the phone and across multiple sites in the community until the new building is completed.”

The new site is set to provide a space where people can find mental health support from professional counsellors.

Simon Reeves

Norlane Community Initiatives co-director Simon Reeves said challenges around employment, rising cost of living and housing could exacerbate mental struggles, and could be contributing to the higher numbers in the northern suburbs.

He said residents faced some extremely significant barriers to accessing mental health care, such as finding how to access services and getting to them.

“People are really trying the best they can given the circumstances … they’re very resilient,” he said.

Barwon Health clinical director of mental health, drugs and alcohol services Steve Moylan said Corio and Norlane communities had high numbers of clients.

“This is consistent with many factors that can influence mental health outcomes in a particular demographic, including poorer overall health outcomes and lower income levels,” Prof Moylan said.

“Mental health wellbeing is strongly correlated with physical health and socio-economic status.”

Barwon Health was focused on improving systems of care and increasing access to more

services, including the soon to open mental health and wellbeing unit at the McKellar Centre, he said.

Prof Moylan said there were future plans to increase access to mental health services at Corio Community Health Centre.

“The services provided at Barwon Health North are continually assessed to ensure they meet the area of greatest need for the community,” he said.

Originally published as New northern suburbs mental health centre delayed