People across the Redlands now have access to free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of a new Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, officially opened the new centre today.
Located at 40 Middle Street Cleveland, the Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
The centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, nurses and peer support workers, who will provide wraparound support and care across extended hours.
The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, including 19 in Queensland.
To boost access to specialist care, the Government is investing an additional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists for every centre.
There are currently 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres operational nationally.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.5 million for the new centre, which is commissioned by to Brisbane South Primary Health Network and operated by Footprints Community.
Quotes attributable to Senator Watt:
"The Albanese Labor Government is delivering for the Redlands with the new Medicare Mental Health Centre making it easier for the community to get free mental health help quickly, without having to go to the hospital.
"It's free for everyone who walks in the door, open for extended hours and no appointment or referral is needed.
"If you or a loved one need urgent mental health care, you don't need to wait until things have reached crisis point, the centre is a safe and welcoming place where you can access confidential support.
"The centre means the Redlands community can get the help they need, without worrying about cost, and it will take pressure off the emergency department at Redland Hospital.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The roll out of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres, offering free, walk-in mental health support and care, is part of our plan to strengthen Medicare.
"With this new centre, residents across the Redlands will have access to high-quality mental health care and support close to home and at no cost.
"Medicare Mental Health Centres put mental health care and support in the heart of communities, bringing care and support to more people, closer to home."
