Families in Orange and Bathurst now have access to free, walk-in mental health and wellbeing support for their children at the Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub.
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.
There is no need for a diagnosis or referral to access services or support at a Kids Hub.
Labor is firmly committed to universal, free healthcare where everyone can get the mental health care they need. Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs take pressure off families by saving time and money, while putting mental health support close by.
The Orange site is one of four 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.
Mental health clinicians, allied health professionals, care navigators at the service will tailor care to the needs of each child and family who visits.
The Orange Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 60-62 McNamara Street is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
Quotes attributable to Minister Rose Jackson:
"The Orange Kids Hub is giving mums and dads an accessible, safe and trusted space to get care for their child when facing mental health challenges.
"You don't need a referral, an appointment, or even your credit card - it's free, specialised mental health support for kids in New South Wales.
"It's a great example of how the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are working together to improve access to mental health care, with four Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs opening across the state."
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 our regional communities like Orange and Bathurst.
"We know that early intervention is best and the new Kids Hub 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 in our regions thrive."
