Launceston Head to Health changes its name to Launceston Medicare Mental Health Centre

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.