New and expectant parents in North West Tasmania will soon have access to free mental health care with a Perinatal Mental Health Centre to be established in Devonport.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart MP, made the announcement in Devonport today.
The Devonport Perinatal Mental Health Centre is funded by the Australian Government and will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.
The centre will offer 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, ensuring all new mums and dads can access support if they experience depression or anxiety.
Almost 100,000 Australians are estimated to experience mental health challenges during the perinatal period each year.
The new centre is expected to provide mental health support to approximately 780 parents each year.
Gidget Foundation Australia operates Perinatal Mental Health Centres, also known as Gidget Houses, in Hobart and Launceston, 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 Devonport Perinatal Mental Health Centre will give parents in North West Tasmania a welcoming place to access free mental health support and care.
Quotes attributable to Anne Urquhart, Member for Braddon:
"Becoming a parent is one of life’s most profound moments, but it can also be one of the most challenging.
“This new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Devonport will make a real difference for local families by ensuring they can access free, specialised support close to home.
“I’m incredibly proud that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering this service for the Braddon community, giving new and expectant parents the care they deserve during such an important time in their lives."