Open Minds, in partnership Healthy North Coast, is set to improve mental health and crisis support for people living in North Coast New South Wales through Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre (formerly Head to Health).
Leading mental health support provider, Open Minds has been appointed lead agency following a comprehensive tender process led by Healthy North Coast, the Australian Government’s North Coast PHN Program.
Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide immediate support for people experiencing distress or crisis as well as short to medium–term mental health care.
Open Minds will deliver low stigma services through the centre from July, co-located with Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, a drop in community hub offering free support and referrals.
Open Minds Chief Executive Officer, Kate Johnson said Open Minds is proud to offer advice, assessment and care for people when they need it most.
“Open Minds is pleased to be improving support for people experiencing mental health concerns in North Coast New South Wales,” said Kate.
“It’s exciting to complement the services offered through the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre to provide the community with a full suite of supports in one convenient location.”
“We look forward to working with local stakeholders and the Coffs Harbour community to create a warm and welcoming space for individuals accessing this important service.”
Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre is the second site of its kind on the North Coast following the establishment of Lismore Head to Health in 2022, which is also operated by Open Minds.
It will be staffed by mental health and allied health professionals and offer access to a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, delivered in partnership with Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.
Kate Johnson said Open Minds recognises the current shortage of accessible mental health services and is passionate about connecting individuals with the right supports.
“We know that mental health is a key priority in the Coffs Harbour community and welcome the opportunity to strengthen local partnerships to deliver exceptional services.”
“Open Minds is currently witnessing positive outcomes in delivering services through Lismore Head to Health and our team is excited to achieve similar success further south.”
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a safe space for people to find the right mental health services for their individual needs.
Services are free and available to people of all ages, and no referral or appointment is required.
The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre will be located at 22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour.
Open Minds currently delivers services through Medicare Mental Health Centres in Ipswich, Lismore and Kingaroy.