The Central Coast is to receive a specialised mental health pop up clinic within the next eight weeks as residents struggle with stress and mental health issues in the eighth week of COVID-19 lockdown.
It will be one of 10 Head to Health mental health support sites to be provided in areas facing extended restrictions in and around Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, thanks to $17.7M in Federal Government funding.
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the Head to Health centres will offer COVID-safe face-to-face services, as well as video and phone supported mental health and assessment services.
Wicks said the Coast centre will be up and running in six-eight weeks.
“These mental health pop-up clinics will be an important support for our community,” she said.
“The COVID-19 outbreak and Greater Sydney lockdown has put incredible stress and mental health pressure on many local residents, some of whom live alone and feel isolated at this time.
“My message to Coasties is that you’re not alone.
“We can get through this together, by taking the time to check in on family and friends to make sure they are OK.”
The Head to Health centres will offer a range of mental health services and will remain in operation until June, 2022.
The Federal Government has also provided funding, in partnership with the NSW Government, for the $17.35M Lockdown Lifeline package for NSW, which is assisting mental health services like Lifeline, Kids Helpline, headspace and the Butterfly Foundation to increase their support.
If you are in need of mental health support you can contact any of the following: Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or https://kidshelpline.com.au/; headspace – 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au; Lifeline – 13 11 14; Head to Health –www.headtohealth.gov.au; Butterfly Foundation (for eating disorder support) – 1800 33 4673 or www.butterfly.org.au; and Beyond Blue 24/7 Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service – 1800 512 348 or https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
Source:
Media release, Aug 23
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks