The Australian Government is delivering more free mental health services for Tasmanians, with a new Medicare Mental Health Centre set to open in Glenorchy in the coming weeks.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Member for Lyons, Rebecca White MP, visited the centre ahead of its opening.
Located at 388 Main Road, Glenorchy, the centre will deliver free, walk-in mental health support, with thousands of locals expected to access the service in its first year.
A dedicated team of psychologists, counsellors, social workers and peer workers will deliver immediate and ongoing support, making it easier for people to get help close to home, without a referral or appointment.
There are currently three Medicare Mental Health Centres operating across Tasmania, delivering almost 22,000 free walk in sessions since they were established. The Glenorchy centre will be the fourth, with five centres to be delivered statewide by 2030.
The Glenorchy Medicare Mental Health Centre is part of the Albanese Labor Government's record $1 billion investment in mental health, making it easier for all Australians to access free mental health care close to home, when and where it's needed most.
The Glenorchy centre is funded by the Albanese Government, commissioned by Primary Health Tasmania and operated by Stride Mental Health.
People seeking information or support can connect with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by delivering more mental health services in the heart of local communities.
"We know one in five Australians experiences mental ill-health each year. These are our family members, friends, neighbours and workmates.
"That's why we're making it easier for Tasmanians to access free mental health support close to home, without the need for a referral or appointment, so they can get help when they need it most."
Quotes attributed to Member for Lyons Rebecca White:
"Everyone goes through difficult times and knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. This new centre will give people a welcoming place to seek help close to home, when they need it most.
"The centre will be open for people to walk in, no appointment needed, if they feel like speaking with someone about their mental health needs, and a reassuring reminding that no one has to manage with mental ill-health alone.
"This centre is about making sure more Tasmanians can access free, compassionate support in their own community, giving people the confidence that help is there and recovery is possible."
Quotes attributed to Senator Brown:
"This centre is in the heart of Glenorchy right on the main Road. Mental health care should not be hidden away. Bringing these services out into the open helps break down stigma and makes asking for help a normal part of looking after your health."
"For people in Hobart's northern suburbs, this is a direct investment in better health care close to home. Along with the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic coming to Glenorchy, we are delivering more services locally so people can get the care they need, when they need it."
