Free mental health centre to open

Above: From left - Karen Dare, CEO Communify, Joel Veling, Manager Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre, Assistant Minister Emma McBride, Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer, Senator Corinne Mulholland, Libby Dunstan, CEO Brisbane North PHN at Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre in August.

Free walk-in mental healthcare support will be available in Redcliffe this month when a new Medicare Mental Health Centre opens.

The centre, at 198 Anzac Ave, Kippa-Ring, will be for those experiencing mental health concerns, distress or substance use challenges.

As The Redcliffe Peninsula went to press, an opening date for Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre had not been confirmed.

But, being in October, it coincides with Queensland Mental Health Week (October 4-12), which shines a light on individual and community mental health.

Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre will be operated by Communify Queensland in partnership with more than 20 local community organisations and health providers.

Those presenting at the Centre will be supported by a multidisciplinary team – including peer workers, psychologists, social workers and GPs.

As swell as the Salvation Army, RAYS, the Breakfast Club, LawRight, Micah Projects, RFQ, Gallang Place, World Wellness Group, Lives Lived Well , IUIH and more.

Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre is the fourth centre to open across the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region following Caboolture, Strathpine and Lutwyche.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide immediate, short-to medium-term mental health supports and service navigation for people in distress.

Adults (and their families and carers) experiencing emotional or psychological distress, crises, mental ill health or addiction can present to a centre without the need for an appointment, GP referral or mental health treatment plan.

Centres are staffed by qualified mental health professionals working alongside people with lived experience, who will listen to your needs and work with you to ensure you receive the right supports, at the right time.

In August, Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride said “these new Centres offer a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home”.

“Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia will soon also provide enhanced services that will ensure each centre can provide free access to a psychologist and psychiatrist either in person or via telehealth.

“These services are for everyone – even if it is your first time seeking support.”