A pop up mental health clinic is now available in Parramatta, as the pandemic leads to a growing demand for such services.
The Federal Government has thrown $10.6 million behind the initiative, aimed at making mental health services more accessible and available for people across ten locations in NSW.
WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network has worked closely with primary care services, hospitals, the NSW Mental Health Pandemic Response Taskforce and the State and Federal Governments in identifying Uniting Recovery as a partner in establishing a pop up clinic in the Parramatta region.
The clinic will provide mental health support through COVID-safe, face-to-face, telephone and video appointments until June 30, 2022.
WentWest CEO Ray Messom said the pop up service, now open in Parramatta, is available for anyone who needs mental health support.
“Mental health issues don’t discriminate,” he said.
“Many people in our region may have never experienced mental ill-health before and are facing new challenges due to COVID-19.
“It’s never been more important to ensure our community can access critical support and mental health services during these challenging times.”
The Head to Health Pop Up service is a new addition to Uniting Recovery’s mental health services which already includes headspace, GambleAware and Family Carers Mental Health services in western Sydney.
Head of Uniting Recovery Support, Chantal Nagib welcomed the funding to support the community.
“We worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to deploy the clinic because we know the demand is there and this service will allow us to provide additional mental health support to people who need it,” she said.
“The Head to Health Pop Up services includes supporting pandemic anxiety, general mental health counselling and additional wrap around service referrals like housing, relationships and financial hardships.”
To find out more about the Head to Health pop up service, visit head health.gov.au.
Western Sydney referrals for the Head to Health service can be accessed by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting Level 1, 146 Marsden Street, Parramatta.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.