Central Coast families now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care for their children at the Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub in Tuggerah.
The Central Coast Kids Hub was officially opened by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and NSW Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris MP.
The Tuggerah hub is the first of four Kids Hubs being rolled out across NSW as part of a $35.8 million joint investment of $17.9 million from each of the Australian and NSW Governments to support children's mental health.
Kids Hubs provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children aged 0-12 and their families, carers and kin. These services support children who may be experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, social or behavioural challenges.
You don't need a diagnosis or referral to access services or support at a Kids Hub.
Mental health clinicians, allied health professionals, care navigators and peer workers at the service will tailor care to the needs of each child and family who visits.
Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the Australian and New South Wales governments are partnering to establish four Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children across New South Wales.
This partnership forms part of a national initiative, with the Australian Government investing nearly $85 million over four years to work with all state and territory governments to create a national network of 17 Kids Hubs.
The Central Coast Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah, is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
People seeking information or support can contact (02) 4394 1799.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the heart of communities like the Central Coast.
"The Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub in Tuggerah is providing a safe and welcoming place for children and their parents, carers and kin.
"Local access to free mental health information and clinical services together with the support of multidisciplinary teams will make sure kids on the Central Coast thrive."
Quotes attributable to Minister Harris:
"This new facility will ensure young families in our region have specialised mental health care services available for their children.
"We know that early intervention is best and the new Kids Hub is a vital addition to the health services offer in Tuggerah, giving mums and dads an accessible, safe and trusted space to get care for their child when facing mental health challenges.
"This hub is a great example of what can be achieved through a joint investment by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments."
