Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) is one of eight centres being trialled across the country over next five years, with one located in each state and territory.
Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centres have been developed for adults who need support for their mental health. The centres provide a safe and welcoming space for people who may be in distress or crisis, or who need help finding the right mental health services for their individual needs. The centres provide a calm, warm and welcoming place to help everyone feel safe and accepted. Services are free and provide mental health support delivered by trained teams of mental health professionals.
Read the detailed service model for Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centres.
Where is Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) located?
Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) is operated by Neami National and is located at 111 Henry Street, Penrith. This service is open for walk-ins (without the need for a prior appointment) 7 days per week, 365 days a year, including public holidays. The centre's opening hours are 1:00pm - 9:30pm (Monday, Wednesday - Sunday) and from 1:00pm - 5:00pm on Tuesdays.
The Penrith Centre can be contacted through the Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) phone line on 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm).
What can patients expect from Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health)?
Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) is a new way for people to access mental health support. Many of the staff working at the centre have experienced mental health crisis themselves and understand what people accessing the centre might be going through. Lived experience staff support patients from when they arrive at the centre, to when you are ready to leave. A trained mental health professional will take the time to understand what is going on in their life and connect them to the best support or service for their individual needs. If they need it, the centre can provide immeadiate mental health support, without the need for an appointment or paying a fee.
How can GPs refer into Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health)
GPs can refer patients to the centre by calling 1800 595 212 or patients can access the centre themselves either by visiting the centre directly (without the need for an appointment) or by calling 1800 595 212. The centre is able to offer telehealth services for those who cannot access face-to-face appointments.
With the patient's permission, the centre can share all or parts of any advice and plans with the patient's GP or other healthcare providers. The centre will encourage patients to talk to their GP about any advice or support they receive from the centre and any other health providers because coordinating care and reducing duplication is in the patient's best interest.
Consultation Process
Community and health industry consultation has been very important to the design of this centre and the Service Design Report articulates the process that was undertaken. The report represents the period from July - October 2021, a crucial time in the establishment of the service. Neami National will continue to consult with the community and health sector on how to improve the service to ensure the centre lives up to the vision of providing people the right service at the right time. To register your interest in being involved in future consultation, or if you want to be kept up-to-date on the service, email Neami National and provide your details.
Safe Haven
Safe Haven is a mental health service that provides a safe alternative to the emergency department for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress. Safe Haven, together with Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health), provide a community driven space for people seeking immediate mental health support to receive compassionate and responsive assistance in a place where people can sit, talk, and reflect. No appointment or referral is required.
The integration of Safe Haven within Penrith Head to Health (Medicare Mental Health) centre ensures that when someone reaches out, they’re linked with the most appropriate service for their needs, as soon as they need it, improving the overall experience of accessing mental health support.
