North Queensland Primary Health Network launches new initiative MyndKind

A new approach to how North Queenslanders access mental health services has been unveiled, hoping offer flexible help those who are at their most vulnerable. See how it will work here.

NQPHN Executive Director of Health Services Commissioning Ruth Azzopardi and Operations Director for Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Cara McCormack. Picture: Nikita McGuire

A new initiative is bringing together the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and 17 other service providers to offer more diverse and flexible mental health support for people in need.

Unveiled on Wednesday, the program — called MyndKind — is a free mental health service funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care through NQPHN.

NQPHN Executive Director of Health Services Commissioning Ruth Azzopardi speaks at the MyndKind launch. Picture: Nikita McGuire

Designed to overcome barriers to care, MyndKind offers personalised mental health support tailored to individual needs.

Its development was shaped by input from more than 570 stakeholders through 21 group workshops, three GP focus groups, and 40 individual meetings held throughout 2023 and 2024.

NQPHN Executive Director of Health Services Commissioning, Ruth Azzopardi, described the launch as the result of extensive collaboration, effort and important conversations.

“We’re so excited to be launching our new mental health services for North Queensland and launching our new name that really represents the culture, the flexibility and the connection of the services we want to deliver right across North Queensland,” she said.

“What we’ve built into the services is real flexibility. We don’t want barriers to access.”

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson speaks at the MyndKind launch. Picture: Nikita McGuire

NQPHN interim CEO Ben Tooth said MyndKind was established to support individuals who found it difficult to access mental health services.

“MyndKind is a new approach to mental healthcare, which has been designed in North Queensland with locals who have personally navigated their own mental health challenges and experiences,” Mr Tooth said.

He said the aim was to support those facing financial hardship, limited transport options or other challenges that stood in the way of seeking help.

“One woman who was unable to get out of her bed, and for who telehealth wouldn’t work, was able to access counselling from the comfort of her home. Another man met his provider in a park for his first several sessions,” he said.

NQPHN Executive Director of Health Services Commissioning Ruth Azzopardi and Operations Director for Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Cara McCormack. Picture: Nikita McGuire

“Another main difference is that MyndKind brings together a person’s mental health team, so they don’t have to retell their story repeatedly.”

The launch also featured speakers including a registered nurse, midwife, elder, advocate and adjunct professor at JCU, Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood and Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson, who both spoke on their own experiences of mental health challenges, both on a personal and community level.

Community members can access MyndKind and a range of other supports by calling the Head to Health phone service where they can be connected to the service that meets their needs.

To access MyndKind phone [phone] or visit the NQPHN website.

Originally published as North Queensland Primary Health Network launches new initiative MyndKind