Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) has welcomed today’s announcement that the future site of the new Geelong Head to Health service will be in Station Place in North Geelong.
WVPHN Chief Executive Officer Rowena Clift said Station Place – at 8 Station Street – would become the heart of mental health and well-being support for people in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
“Currently under construction, the Station Place site will be a fit-for-purpose location providing a warm and welcoming space where people can find mental health support from professional counsellors alongside people who have had lived experience with mental health issues,” Ms Clift said.
Geelong Head to Health is planning to move into Station Place later this year.
Today’s announcement was made on site at the official launch of the Geelong Head to Health service by Federal Minister for Health and Minister for Aged Care, Greg Hunt.
Geelong Head to Health is one of eight adult mental health centres being opened across Australia, as part of a $114.5 million funding commitment from the Commonwealth Government. The Geelong service is being delivered by Neami National in partnership with Drummond Street.
Geelong Head to Health commenced outreach mental health support services in December 2021 and is available to anyone seeking mental health and wellbeing support, without the need for a GP referral.
Neami National CEO, Tom Dalton said Geelong Head to Health had a ‘no wrong door’ approach so that everyone was welcomed and given the support they need, regardless of their level of distress or need.
“When the purpose-built space opens later this year, it will be shaped by the conversations we are having with people who have experienced mental health concerns, their carers and families, and local healthcare and service providers, and will deliver a welcoming, inclusive space and a trusted service where everyone is greeted and heard,” Mr Dalton said.
“Working with Western Victoria PHN and our partner, Drummond Street, we are already delivering a new Peer First, Peer Last mental health service, and we are looking forward to opening a space where people in distress can walk in without a referral and get immediate support without cost to them,” he said.
“Many of our Head to Health staff have a lived experience of mental health issues themselves and are passionate about helping people find the right care for their individual needs,” said Mr Dalton.
Ms Clift said Geelong Head to Health was among a suite of mental health support services commissioned by WVPHN in the Geelong region.
“Head to Health is delivered alongside headspace Geelong (including the new Ocean Grove satellite headspace centre) and the Well Connected psychosocial support service,” she said.
To access Geelong Head to Health, phone 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).