Tasmanian children will soon get the early intervention and mental health support they need – with the announcement of three Head to Health Kids Hubs.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, and Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, announced the services today in Launceston.
Services will operate in three locations – Burnie, Bridgewater and East Tamar – and be open later this year.
The Kids Hubs will provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children under 12, and their families, experiencing mild to moderate developmental, mental health, behavioural or emotional challenges. Children do not need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care.
These will be multidisciplinary services and may include access to psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer workers and Aboriginal health workers.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments are establishing the Kids Hubs together, working in close co-operation to ensure we improve the mental health of Tasmania's children. The services will operate through three of Tasmania's Child and Family Learning Centres.
Over the next four years, the Australian Government is working with all states and territories to create a national network of Head to Health Kids Hubs. This is a key action in the National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Head to Health Kids aims to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children by filling gaps in the health system through the provision of accessible, child-centred services at no cost to families.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
"The Federal Government has partnered with Tasmania to fund Head to Health Kids Hubs so Tasmanian children and their families can get the help they need.
"It's clear children need more support with mental health and wellbeing, and families need more free services to help their children.
"Like most health issues, it's best to seek help early. By supporting children with an emerging mental illness or behavioural issues, we can improve a child's wellbeing now and set them up for a better future.
"The hubs will provide a welcoming environment to help children and their families discuss concerns and find solutions."
Quotes attributable to Minister Guy Barnett, Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing:
"Having the Head to Health Kids Hubs based at the Tasmanian Government's Child and Family Learning Centres provides an additional support for young Tasmanians and their families.
"The Tasmanian Government is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of Tasmanian children through innovative models such as the Head to Health Kids Hubs.
"This free service will complement the range of existing services available at our Child and Family Learning Centres, providing families with the wrap-around supports needed as their children grow and develop.
