A mental health service that offers free walk-in support and care has reopened in a prominent location.
The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre has relocated to Bright Place, opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, at Birtinya.
Anyone aged 18 and over can walk in – no appointment, referral or Medicare card is needed.
The centre is funded by the federal and state governments, commissioned by Country to Coast Primary Health Network, and operated by Wellways.
It features care from a multidisciplinary team including peer workers, psychologists, social workers, nurses and psychiatrists.
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The service started at Wises Road at Maroochydore in July and has supported more than 3160 occasions of service.
The new location was chosen to further improve service visibility and access for people who may not know where to turn.
The fit-out of the site was shaped through a local co-design process and features calming colours, low-sensory lighting and comfortable consultation rooms that reflect the service’s person-centred model of care.
The centre was officially opened last week by the federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Minister for Regional Health Emma McBride.
She said it “offers people a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home”.
“Anyone may be impacted by mental ill-health and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral,” she said.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls also hailed the facility.
“Services based in local communities are a vital step in strengthening our mental health system closer to home and ensuring more people get help early, before reaching crisis point,” he said.
“This, in turn, also eases pressure on our emergency departments and helps people find the supports that are right for them.”
The facility is part of a growing national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres that bridge the gap between general mental health care and crisis or hospital-level support.
CCQ CEO Julie Sturgess said the Sunshine Coast service’s new home was “more than just a new address”.
“It’s about creating a space where people feel safe, respected and supported,” she said.
“Sunshine Coast locals have embraced this service since it opened last year, and this permanent site ensures we can continue to offer walk-in, no-barrier support for people when they need it most.”
According to the 2021 Census, more than 32,200 people on the Sunshine Coast reported living with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, around 1 in 9 residents. That figure is likely to be higher today.
“You don’t need a diagnosis to get help,” Ms Sturgess said.
“You don’t have to wait for a GP referral. Whether you’re in distress, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, this service is here for you.”
Wellways director of services Nikki Wynne welcomed community members to the centre’s new location.
She also stated that Medicare Mental Health Centres were an essential part of Wellways’ commitment to building an integrated, interdependent network of services that enhance accessibility to holistic care, supporting mental health and wellbeing across all communities.
Clarity Health Care CEO Davis Lemke said the centre ensured people could access the right mix of support, in one place.
‘With our team of psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and nurses working hand in hand with Wellways peer workers, we’re delivering integrated, team-based care from one central hub, making it easier for people to get the right support, right when they need it,” he said.
“The service is also designed to link in with other local services and help people navigate what’s next.”
The Sunshine Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Locals can drop in or call 1800 595 212 for free, confidential support.
There are other permanent Medicare Mental Health Centres in Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg, with more to come nationally as part of the government’s ongoing investment in accessible, free mental health care.
Ms Sturgess said a community open day is also planned at the centre in coming months, giving residents the opportunity to meet the team and explore the new space.
“These centres are designed for people in distress who need more than early intervention. We’re proud that the Sunshine Coast now has a permanent base as part of this vital national network,” she said.
