FEDERAL Member for Bowman, Henry Pike, has marked 12 months since the opening of the Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre, highlighting its growing impact as a frontline service for the local community.
“Twelve months ago, a door opened quietly on Middle Street in Cleveland,” Pike said.
“To many it may have looked like just another retail tenancy, but for thousands of people in our community, it has become a trusted place for those in need.
“A place to be seen, heard and helped without delay.”
Pike first announced the centre following a $3.4 million investment by the former Liberal and Nationals Federal Government, aimed at delivering a long-overdue walk-in adult mental health service for the Redlands.
“The idea was simple: a free, walk-in mental health service with no Medicare card, no GP referral and no appointment required right here in the Redlands,” Pike said.
“After the change of government, this commitment was at real risk of being quietly forgotten.
“I refused to let that happen. I continued to make the case that our community needed this service, that the demand justified it, and that the Redlands deserved it.”
Since opening, the Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre reports it has delivered 3,146 total service contacts, providing both short- and medium-term wellbeing support, as well as service navigation to help people with more complex needs connect with ongoing care.
Pike said the centre was not only helping individuals, but also easing pressure on local hospitals, police and ambulance services by supporting people earlier.
“Behind every one of those contacts is a local person who might otherwise have struggled alone, ended up in an emergency department in the middle of the night, or reached breaking point before anyone noticed,” he said.
“These numbers represent help delivered at the right time when it can make the biggest difference.”
“If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available, right here in the heart of our community.”
The Redlands Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 40 Middle Street, Cleveland.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
The contact number is 1800 573 955.
