Managing Midland Head to Health
3 Jun 2022
What will Midland Head to Health offer the community?
The centre will offer on-the-spot advice and support for people who are experiencing stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. For those that require assessment and treatment, our team will be able to provide that too.
What makes Midland Head to Health different from other mental health service providers?
From the very beginning of this project, there has been a significant focus on, and commitment to, linking in and working with other local service providers so that we can connect people with the most appropriate supports in a way that is as cohesive and seamless as possible. My hope is that by providing a walk-in service that offers on-the-spot advice and support and a direct connection to other providers, we will be able to remove a lot of the stress and frustration that can come with trying to navigate the mental health care system.
How will people be able to access the service?
People will be able to be referred to Midland Head to Health by their GP but crucially, they’ll also be able to self-refer by presenting to the centre, no appointment required, and know that they will be seen, listened to and supported to take whatever the most appropriate next steps are for them as an individual. The fact that we’re able to provide both a walk-in and referral service is quite unique and something I’m very excited to play a lead role in delivering. Importantly, the centre will have extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends to help ensure its accessibility.
What can people expect when they arrive at the service?
A big focus of the centre’s co-design, which we’ve worked on closely with consumers, other local service providers and community groups, has been creating a non-clinical environment that’s warm, inviting and easy to spend time in. Making sure that the design of the centre celebrates its place in the Midland community has been very important and so has making sure that people from all backgrounds and walks of life feel comfortable and welcomed as soon as they walk through the doors.
What attracted you to the Midland Head to Health Manager role?
I have a long history with the Midland area both personally and professionally. I was the Service Manager at Swan Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for several years and I have a good understanding of the needs of the local community and good working relationships with many of the other service providers. Midland and the Eastern Hills region are largely under-serviced from a mental health perspective and the population is continually growing with areas such as Ellenbrook and Aveley being further developed. This will put more pressure on existing services and there is a huge need for additional supports. It is exciting to be involved in a service from the very beginning and I am keen to build a team that meets the needs of the community.
What is your vision for the centre?
I want this service to be readily accessible, warm and welcoming and truly reflective of St John of God Health Care’s values. Sadly, there is still a stigma attached to experiencing mental health problems and this stops many people from accessing services that could really help them. Midland Head to Health should help to break down this stigma and encourage people to walk in and have a chat about what is happening for them and for the people they care about. Everyone struggles from time to time, and free, quality services should be available.
Are there any specific traits you’re looking to ensure are present within the Midland Head to Health team?
I want to create a team that has the needs of the community at heart, and that treats everyone with genuine compassion and respect. We all enter the care industry because we care about people and their overall health and wellbeing and I want this to be reflected in everything we do. Well trained and qualified clinical staff will provide assessment and ongoing service in a non-judgemental way and with a sense of pride in the service and organisation.
How does Midland Head to Health fit into St John of God Health Care’s Mental Health Strategy?
Midland Head to Health is very much aligned with the organisation’s Mental Health Strategy to be responsive to the needs of the people we are here to care for and help people to live their best life. As with the Mental Health Strategy, Midland Head to Health will place the consumer at the centre as an active participant and partner in the process. This is consistent with St John of God Health Care’s Mission and with the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity and the dignity of the human.
Find out more about Midland Head to Health.
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