More Queenslanders will be able access free, quality mental health and wellbeing support, with a $107.9 million boost to establish Head to Health services across the state.
The funding will help set up and run 20 services for adults and two new services for children and families, providing additional access to mental health care and wellbeing support.
The new Head to Health kids and adult services will complement the existing network of health, mental health and wellbeing services across Queensland, ensuring easier access to a comprehensive range of mental health, alcohol and other drugs services.
New services for adults in Ipswich and Kingaroy will be operating later this year and will be followed in 2024 by services in Cairns, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Logan and the Redlands area.
An additional 12 locations for adult services across Queensland will be announced following further consultations.
The new Head to Health Kids services will open on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane later this year following a co-design process with community. The Brisbane service also has a presence in Logan-Beaudesert and Moreton Bay regions.
These services will provide a range of specialist medical and allied health services for children under 12 experiencing developmental, mental health, behavioural or emotional challenges, and their families.
Services are fully government-funded and provided by multidisciplinary care teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer support workers and First Nations health workers.
Head to Health services are designed in consultation with people with lived experience, and local communities and service providers, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, to ensure they are tailored to local needs and build on existing services and capacity.
The services are expected to be rolled out progressively, with all operational by 2027.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
"All Australians, no matter where they live or their circumstances, deserve access to mental health care and support.
"The Commonwealth Government is working closely with state and territory governments and to make sure mental health supports are accessible and tailored for the needs of local communities.
"These new Head to Health services will make it easier for individuals, families and carers to access mental health and wellbeing support.
"I look forward to working with the Queensland Government to make sure no one is left behind in the care system of the Sunshine State."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath:
"The Queensland Government is pleased to be working with the Commonwealth Government on Head to Health to make it easier for Queenslanders to access mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs support when and where they need it.
"Investment in Head to Health Kids services will provide holistic wrap around mental health and wellbeing care to support a better start for our youngest and most vulnerable Queenslanders and their families.
"We are proud to partner with the Commonwealth to trial this new model of care for children aged up to 12 years.
"Expanding Head to Health for adults will assist people to navigate services and find the mental health supports that best meet their needs.
"The establishment of Head to Health services is a key action of Better Care Together, our $1.645 billion investment to improve mental health, alcohol and other drugs services for Queenslanders over the next five years".
