“If your mental health is being impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to reach out, even if you’ve never felt like this or asked for help before.”
That’s the advice from The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network CEO Richard Nankervis, as the region welcomes two new Head to Health mental health hubs.
Warners Bay and Cessnock are now home to a service offering support to people of all ages experiencing mental health issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are 12 other hubs operating around NSW and ACT.
The service, operated through a 1800 number, connects people with a trained professional who will make an assessment and then refer on for additional help required.
The mental health hubs will provide face-to-face and telehealth counselling to those referred from the 1800 hotline.
Mr Nankervis says his team of trained and accredited mental health professionals, including psychologists, councillors and social workers, have worked hard to get the service up and running just four weeks after being announced.
The service, he says, is now available to all people in NSW.
“Take the first steps towards finding mental health and wellbeing support that is best for you,” he said.
“The sooner you talk about your mental health, the sooner you’ll get the help and support you need to help you move forward and feel stronger.”
Head to Health is for anyone of any age, including children, young people and older adults, whose mental health is suffering because of the current pandemic. This includes people experiencing addiction, families and carers.
Mat McGovern, Director of Beam Services who are operating the Head to Health hubs said, “the services we provide at the Head to Health hubs are free, quickly accessible and provide mental health support delivered by experienced and trained teams of mental health professionals”.
“If you or someone close to you is struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re here to help,” he said.
“Our team of qualified mental health professionals will take the time to understand your situation, work with you to provide tailored mental health support for your needs, and help you build some longer-term systems of support.”
To access support through the Head to Health service call 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.
The hubs are not a crisis service and anyone requiring immediate help should call 000.
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