New and expectant parents in South West Sydney can now access free mental health care with the opening of the Fairfield Perinatal Mental Health Centre.
The centre was officially opened today by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and Minister for Climate Change and Energy and local Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen MP.
Located at Fairfield Hospital, the centre offers free psychological support for new and expectant parents throughout the perinatal period.
Parents with a GP referral and mental health care plan will be provided free in-person or digital tele-health services with a psychologist.
The Australian Government is providing $39.2 million to establish a network of 20 Perinatal Mental Health Centres across the country, making sure all new and expectant can access support if they experience depression or anxiety.
Almost 100,000 Australians are estimated to experience mental health challenges during the perinatal period.
The Fairfield Perinatal Mental Health Centre is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.
Gidget Foundation Australia operates Perinatal Mental Health Centres, also known as Gidget Houses, across New South Wales, which are funded through Medicare.
For more information, visit https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/support/gidget-house
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities, backed by Medicare.
“1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression when they are expecting or have just become new parents and accessing support can be difficult.
“The Fairfield Perinatal Mental Health Centre will give parents in South West Sydney a welcoming place to access free mental health support and care.
Quotes attributable to Minister Bowen, Member for McMahon:
“Becoming a parent is life-changing, but it should never mean facing anxiety or depression alone or putting off care because it costs too much. The Fairfield Perinatal Mental Health Centre means families in our community can get free, welcoming support, close to home.
“Fairfield and the southwest deserve the same access to quality care as anywhere else. This centre, delivered with the Gidget Foundation Australia and backed by Medicare, will help more mums, dads and babies get the best possible start.”