St John of God Social Outreach to operate three new Head to Health services

23 May 2023

Later this year, three new Head to Health adult mental health centres offering free advice, support and if needed, assessment and treatment for people with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, will open. 

The new sites will be operated by St John of God Social Outreach, part of St John of God Health Care, with funding provided by the Australian Government under the Primary Health Network Program. 

St John of God Social Outreach has been operating Western Australia’s first and only Head to Health centre, located in Midland, since March 2022 and the addition of the three new sites will see it operate all Head to Health services in the state. 

The new Head to Health centres will be located in Armadale, Gosnells and Balga or Mirrabooka, and will be established with input from consumers, mental health and local service providers, general practice and other stakeholders to ensure they reflect local needs and deliver the best outcomes for the community.

St John of God Social Outreach CEO Susan Cantwell said the decision to locate the new Head to Health sites in areas where there is currently high demand for mental health services was welcomed.

“We are delighted to take on the role of operator of a further three Head to Health adult mental health centres in Perth, in addition to the existing site at Midland,” she said. 
 
“By creating a single point of entry that connects people to the most appropriate support services without requiring a referral or appointment, these centres will remove some of the most significant barriers to accessing appropriate and timely mental health care in the community.” 

St John of God Health Care operates a number of private and public hospitals, as well as community-based mental health and homelessness services provided at no cost throughout Perth and regional WA.