Residents in Sydney’s northern suburbs now have access to free, walk-in mental health services with the opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Ryde.
The new Centre, located at Top Ryde City, offers locals free mental health support and care without the need for an appointment or referral.
The Centre was officially opened by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, and Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale MP.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person, with wraparound support for people with more ongoing needs.
The Australian Government is establishing a national network of 92 Medicare Mental Health Centres, including 33 in NSW.
Across the Greater Sydney region, Medicare Mental Health Centres are open in Liverpool, Parramatta, Canterbury, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Bondi.
The Ryde Medicare Mental Health Centre is funded by the Australian Government, commissioned by the Northern Sydney Primary Health Network and operated by Primary & Community Care Services.
People seeking information or support can connect with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities.
“The Ryde Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide free care to thousands of locals seeking support.
“Our Medicare Mental Health Centres create a new front door to mental health care, removing barriers to accessing support.”
Quotes attributable to Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong:
“The opening of the Ryde Medicare Mental Health Centre in our community means locals can now access the mental health support they need.
“Residents will be able to access free mental health care without needing an appointment or a referral.
“This centre is welcome news for our community. It will ensure people living in Ryde and the surrounding area can access mental health support close to home.”