As part of a recent government initiative, Parramatta Head to Health  has changed its name to Medicare Mental Health Centre – a change happening to all Head to Health centres across Australia.

Along with a new name, the Australian Government aims to strengthen Medicare and improve access to free mental health services and mental health care through this rebranding of Medicare Mental Health Centres.

The former Head to Health centre remains a safe, free and inclusive environment for adults over eighteen seeking emotional wellbeing and mental health support. Find out more about the Australian Government initiative and the national transition from Head to Health to Medicare Mental Health Centres here.

The Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre is a great first step for anyone feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to find help.

You don’t need to book an appointment to access our range of support. Services we provide include:

• Immediate, short and medium-term mental health and wellbeing support
• Information and advice for family and friends of people experiencing mental illness
• Support and advice in navigating and connecting you with ongoing local mental health services
• Access to translating and interpreting services
• Engagement with social and community groups.

You don’t need a referral, an appointment or even a Medicare card – just walk in.

When you walk through the doors to one of our Medicare Mental Health Centres in Parramatta (NSW) or Launceston (TAS), you‘ll be greeted by a friendly member of our team and be given the time and space to have a confidential chat.

There is no pressure to fill out paperwork, make an appointment or commit to any plans, we take it at the pace that is right for you.

Our peer support workers (people with lived experience of mental health), family and carer support workers, care coordinators and allied health professionals create a safe and welcoming place where you can simply feel heard.

Supported by funding from WentWest – Western Sydney’s Primary Health Network (WSPHN) we aim to complement – rather than replace or duplicate – services already provided in the community and will connect people with other local services for ongoing care.

There is no cost for attending Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre, nor do you need to have a Medicare card, Health Care Card or GP referral to access its services.

Simply drop in or call us to find out how we can help you.

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 3pm to 7pm

Address: Ground Floor, Suite 1, 150 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150

Contact:
P: 1800 595 212 Free Call

Prioritise your mental health with Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre

If you or someone you care for needs immediate emergency assistance, call 000.  Or for 24-hour mental health support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

As part of a recent government initiative, Launceston Head to Health has changed its name to Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre – a change happening to all Head to Health centres across Australia.

Along with a new name, the Australian Government aims to strengthen Medicare and improve access to free mental health services and mental health care through this rebranding of Medicare Mental Health Centres.

The name is changing, however everything else will remain the same with the services available including:

• Mental health support, information and advice
• Immediate, short and medium-term care navigation to other suitable mental health services in the local community
• Information and advice for family and friends of people experiencing mental illness.

The Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre remains staffed by a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health. They will listen and work with you to provide the care you need.

The Medicare Mental Health Centre is completely free. You do not need a Medicare card, an appointment or a GP referral.

Since opening our doors in 2022, the Medicare Mental Health Centre has been widely embraced by the people of Launceston, making a noticeable positive impact on the community.

Feedback from the people of Launceston has been overwhelmingly positive, both from consumers and referred service providers. Participants view our programs as beneficial and frequently and openly express their gratitude for the centre, its people, and its services with multiple participants stating that they feel welcomed, safe, and supported after coming to the centre.

“Thank you. Please keep doing what you’re doing for the community – we need you!”

Launceston Community Member, March 2022

Through a combination of clinical support and peer-led recovery, our purpose-built programs have alleviated wait times for treatment.

In addition to long wait times, we found that the people of Launceston were finding it difficult to connect with a program that addressed their specific needs. We have addressed wait times by being a walk-in centre and offering immediate access to support, as well as the partnerships and referral pathways we have developed with other local services and agencies, which allow us to navigate our participants to the most suitable services for them.

At Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre, you will be welcomed by our friendly staff and someone will be there to speak with you. If you need additional support,  we will connect you to existing community-run services and assist in navigating their systems.  We are immensely proud of how we have been able to leverage the current support services in the region and guide people to take full advantage of the programs on offer.

“[the staff] were so welcoming and kind, they listened and helped me through my problems. They also helped me with referrals…”

Launceston Community Member, May 2022

The Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre nurtures an inclusive and supportive culture, so it is no surprise that the ‘secret sauce’ is our staff.  Having non-clinical staff with a lived mental health experience working alongside clinical staff has been crucial in providing holistic, person-centred care. This approach reduces stigma and provides an authentic, empathetic expertise to those seeking mental health respite.

Continual improvement of the centre is guided by the voice and knowledge of the local community.

To access Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre

Visit the centre at 62-64 Canning Street between 9am and 7.30pm Monday to Friday or 10am to 2pm on weekends and public holidays.

Call: 1800 424 578

Email: launceston.mmhc@stride.com.au.

Our services are free of charge, and appointments are not necessary. Find out more about the Australian Government initiative and the national transition from Head to Health to Medicare Mental Health Centres here.

There’s no doubt that it can be difficult to peel ourselves away from our screens – whether for work, study, or leisure. But did you know multiple studies show that spending as little as 30 minutes daily doing outdoor activities can significantly improve your mental health?

According to the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association, 56.8% of young people spend over 10 hours per week on digital devices, while enjoying only an hour of outdoor activities.

Our increased screen times have led to a shift away from the great outdoors, with an increasing amount of people experiencing feelings of anxiety, stress and burnout than ever before. That is precisely why we launched our annual fundraising initiative, Stride Outside. 

Stride Outside is a free, inclusive fundraising challenge that invites participants of all ages and abilities to take 30 minutes outside every day throughout September, to enjoy their favourite outdoor activities. By doing so, participants can experience the full benefits of nature and improve their mental health resilience.

All funds raised generated by the initiative go directly to Stride Mental Health where we can continue to provide personalised support services and programs for people experiencing mental health challenges.

Spending time outdoors offers a wealth of mental and physical benefits. Whether it’s a walk in the park, reading in the sun, stargazing or a picnic in the park, outdoor activities offer a range of advantages that go beyond physical benefits. Here are some of the many ways outdoor activities can boost wellbeing.

1. Improving Mood and Reducing Stress
   There’s nothing like the feeling of sun on your skin. Spending time outside can reduce the production of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Natural settings have a calming effect, helping to reduce anxiety and boost overall mood.
2. Increasing Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
   Outdoor environments stimulate the mind in ways that indoor spaces can’t. Studies have found that exposure to nature can enhance cognitive function, making people more creative and better at problem-solving. Whether you’re studying on the grass, or working on a park bench, nature is a fantastic tool for unlocking fresh ideas.
3. Boosts Physical Health
   The physical benefits of being outdoors are undeniable. Outdoor activities such as a bike ride,  gentle walks, and stretching increase energy levels, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall fitness. This, in turn, contributes to better mental health, creating a positive feedback loop between the mind and body.
4. Connection with Nature
   Feeling a connection to the natural world has many psychological and emotional benefits. It fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing feelings of isolation. Whether it’s watching the ocean, witnessing a sunrise, listening to birdsong, or simply being surrounded by greenery, these experiences can evoke a deep sense of calm and happiness.

Head to our website to find out more information on the many benefits of spending time outdoors.

You don’t have to embark on a day-long hike to enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity. Here are some easy ways to incorporate more time outdoors, no matter how busy your schedule:

• Office Worker: Try a walking meeting, have your lunch outside, or squeeze in some outdoor stretches in the park to break up your busy workday.
• Parents: Go for a morning walk with your pram or little one, organise outdoor play activities, or opt for walking or biking during the school run.
• Students: Head to a park to study, read on the grass, or join a sports club to enjoy physical activity and social interaction at the same time.

To make the most of your Stride Outside challenge, why not take up a new activity or rediscover one you’ve since neglected?

• Find a buddy: Consider exercising with a friend or loved one, which can make the experience more enjoyable and keep you motivated. A buddy adds more accountability to your routine.
• Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals and track your progress. Start with small targets and build on them as you gain confidence and endurance.
• Embrace the weather: Don’t let the weather stop you. Dress appropriately for the conditions and adjust your activities to fit the weather.
• Explore new places: Keep things exciting by trying new activities and discovering new locations. Visit different parks, and explore different trails or outdoor spots to make your challenge more engaging and sustainable.

The benefits of spending time in nature and doing outdoor activities are immense, offering significant improvements to both mental and physical health. From reducing stress and enhancing mood to boosting creativity and physical fitness.

We encourage you to join the Stride Outside challenge every September and experience these benefits firsthand. Your participation is a step towards better health and a vital contribution to raising awareness and critical funds for mental health services.

You can get involved by making a donation today. Your generosity – however big or small – makes a lasting impact!