Residents in the Cairns region will have access to a new adult mental health support centre following today’s announcement of the Australian and Queensland Government jointly funded Head to Health service to be established in Cairns.

The Cairns Head to Health centre will be delivered as a partnership between Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS).

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said the announcement was good news for the Cairns region and would provide much-needed mental health support.

“We are proud to partner with Cairns and Hinterland HHS and the community on this worthwhile initiative,” Ms Whyte said.

“Mental health is one of the biggest health issues facing our community and the Head to Health centre will address some of the current gaps for people experiencing high levels of distress or mental health crisis.

“Cairns Head to Heath will provide immediate support and follow up to people in crisis, as well as short to medium-term care for people with moderate to severe mental health needs.

“Head to Health ensures people can access free, quality mental health and wellbeing support within Cairns, that’s flexible and easily accessible. Services are fully funded and provide multidisciplinary care teams, including clinical and peer support workers.

“The evidence is clear – people feel more comfortable talking to someone they know has been through their own challenges, making peer workers with lived experience an integral part of the Head to Health system.

“In addition to mental health support, people will be able to access a range of other services through referral and connections, such as alcohol and other drugs services and housing services.”

CHHHS Mental Health Clinical Director Mike Tervit said Cairns was a high priority location for increased investment in mental health services and support due to its growing population and high suicide rates.

“The Cairns and Hinterland region has been identified as having the third highest suicide rate in Queensland, and this is marked by a high percentage of First Nations peoples' suicides, in particular males,” he said.

“This centre will not only ensure people experiencing psychological distress can easily access high-quality, culturally appropriate care in the community, it will also ease pressure on our hospital emergency departments.”

Cairns Head to Health will complement current local mental health support services. NQPHN will partner with CHHHS to undertake local consultation to inform the design of the centre.