Open Minds Enhances Mental Health Support
with New Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre
Open Minds, in partnership with Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre and in collaboration with Healthy North Coast, is thrilled to announce the opening of the Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre (formerly Head to Health). This new facility aims to enhance mental health and crisis support for residents in North Coast New South Wales.
Following a thorough tender process led by Healthy North Coast, the Australian Government’s North Coast PHN Program, Open Minds has been selected as the lead agency for this centre.
The inauguration event was officially opened by the Honourable Emma McBride MP, Member for Dobell and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Rural and Regional Health.
Such a service in the community is desperately needed as data from NSW Health demonstrated 12% of adults in the state regularly experience high levels of psychological distress with a further 6.1% reporting they experience extreme levels of psychological distress.
The report also highlighted those living in regional and remote communities were also at higher risk of suicide.
The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre will offer immediate support for those in distress or crisis, as well as short- to medium-term mental health care.
With services commencing in July, Open Minds provides low-stigma mental health support at this centre, which will be co-located with the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre—a community hub offering free support and referrals.
Open Minds Chief Executive Officer, Kate Johnson expressed her pride in expanding access to mental health services.
“We are honoured to provide essential advice, assessment, and care to those in need,” said Kate. “It’s exciting to work alongside the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre to offer a comprehensive range of supports in one convenient location.”
“We look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders and the Coffs Harbour community to create a welcoming environment for individuals seeking this crucial service,” Kate added.
The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre marks the second facility of its kind on the North Coast, following the 2022 launch of Lismore Head to Health, also operated by Open Minds.
The new centre will feature mental health and allied health professionals and include a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, in partnership with Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.
“We recognise the pressing need for accessible mental health services having received 50 referrals in the past month, with many presenting with Anxiety symptoms, Depressive symptoms and Depressive Disorder,” said Kate
“Our team is dedicated to connecting individuals with the appropriate support and we are excited to build on the success of Lismore Head to Health and achieve similar quality support in Coffs Harbour.”
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide a secure space for individuals to access tailored mental health services. Services are free and available to people of all ages, and no referral or appointment is required.
Open Minds currently delivers services through Medicare Mental Health Centres in Ipswich, Lismore and Kingaroy.
Further information: The Coffs Harbour Medicare Mental Health Centre will be located at the Community Village, 22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour, phone number (02) 6648 3694 or you can get in touch with the team online, https://chnc.com.au/contact-us/
ENDS
About Open Minds:
Open Minds is an independent not-for-profit organisation working to enhance mental health and wellbeing. With a history spanning more than 110 years, Open Minds is committed to enabling a positive future for people living in the community with mental health and psychosocial disabilities. Open Minds employs over 400 staff across 35 locations in Queensland and New South Wales.