Midland mooted for children’s mental health hub

Plans to establish a children’s mental health and wellbeing centre in the City of Swan are under way, with the Mental Health Commission seeking out a service provider for the job.

The WA Mental Health Commission, in partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance, are planning to develop and implement a mental health and wellbeing hub for young children and families, to be known as the WA Head to Health Kids Hub (WA H2H Kids Hub).

It would aim to provide free and inclusive early intervention and prevention services for children up to 12 years old whose social, emotional, or developmental wellbeing is at risk, according to the draft service model report from August.

It would also strive "to reduce the substantial barriers children aged 0-12 and their families face in accessing services and provide integrated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary care", the report read. 

The report detailed that about 50 per cent of mental health illnesses diagnosed for adults began before the individuals were 14 years old.

About 13.6 per cent of the 35,700 children living in the City of Swan have experienced a mental health disorder in a 12-month period, the report read.

“When it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of our children, the earlier in life they receive support the greater the positive impact on their future,” mental health commissioner Maureen Lewis told Business News.

“The WA Head to Health Kids Hub will complement existing services to help children aged zero to twelve years, and families, improve their mental wellbeing.” 

The WA hub would be based on the national model, with existing hubs under development in the eastern states, and backed by state and federal funding commitments.

The federal government committed $54.2 million over four years (starting 2021-22) towards establishing the foundations of the H2H Kids Hubs across the country.

The WA Mental Health Commission is seeking to engage a service provider to identify a suitable property in the City of Swan, ideally in the Midland area, and arrange the renovation and fit-out of the space that’s at least 600 square metres.

According to the tender, given the broad range of skills and experience required for the service, applicants are encouraged to consider consortia or partnerships with multiple and cross sector non-government organisations.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact:  

• Mental Health Emergency Response Line - 1300 555 788 (metro) and 1800 552 002 (regional).
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue -1300 224 636
• 13YARN