Head to Health mental health hub opens at Beam Services Cessnock

Operated by Beam Services, the Head to Health mental health hub has been developed to support people of all ages who are experiencing mental health issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service, operated through a 1800 number, connects people with a trained professional who will make an assessment and then refer on for additional help required.

The mental health hub will provide face-to-face and telehealth counselling to those referred from the 1800 hotline.

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A clinic has also opened at Warners Bay, and follows the opening of the Hunter-Central Coast region's first Head to Health hub in Tuggerah in 2021, and 12 other hubs operating around NSW and ACT.

The Head to Health service is available to all NSW residents, including children, young people and older adults, whose mental health is suffering because of the current pandemic. This includes people experiencing addiction, families and carers.

"The services we provide at the Head to Health hubs are free, quickly accessible and provide mental health support delivered by experienced and trained teams of mental health professionals," Beam Services director Mat McGovern said.

"If you or someone close to you is struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we're here to help.

"Our team of qualified mental health professionals will take the time to understand your situation, work with you to provide tailored mental health supports for your needs, and help you build some longer-term systems of support.

"The Head to Health hubs have been a welcome support for many people already and we're eager to continue that support in the Lake Macquarie and Cessnock regions."

Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network chief executive officer, Richard Nankervis, has applauded the efforts of the organisation's mental health teams in the prompt delivery of the service.

"If your mental health is being impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to reach out, even if you've never felt like this or asked for help before," Mr Nankervis said.

"Take the first steps towards finding mental health and wellbeing support that is best for you. The sooner you talk about your mental health, the sooner you'll get the help and support you need to help you move forward and feel stronger."

To access support through the Head to Health service, call 1800 595 212, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

The hubs are not a crisis service and anyone requiring immediate help should call 000.