Funded by the Country SA PHN, the Port Pirie Medicare Mental Health Centre will be the latest addition to a growing national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, which builds on the former Head to Health model. Neami runs six of the existing centres – in Penrith, Liverpool, Hawkesbury, Geelong, Townsville and Darwin.
People who are experiencing distress or are worried about themselves or someone they care about will be able to get immediate care as well as follow-up support.
The centre will be staffed by a range of mental health professionals, including clinicians, and peer support workers with their own experiences of mental health challenges and recovery. Additional on-call clinical support will also be available.
Guests won’t need an appointment, referral or Medicare card to get support, and the service is available to people who are not Australian citizens or residents.
Neami National Director, Peter Warden said: “Neami National is delighted to be working closely with Country SA PHN to deliver this much-needed new service for the Port Pirie region.
“We look forward to drawing on our experience of delivering a variety of mental health and wellbeing services, including six other Medicare Mental Health Centres, across Australia.
“Understanding the needs of local communities is a priority. We’ll be working hard to establish a service that provides appropriate and effective mental health and wellbeing support for the people of Port Pirie and its surrounds.”
Neami will also continue to deliver the free, confidential Head to Health Phone Service across country South Australia for people seeking support for their mental and emotional wellbeing.
People who are looking for support before the centre opens can call the Head to Health Phone Service on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday to speak to a mental health professional.