Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre open for service

On Thursday 20 June 2024, the Northern Adelaide Head to Health Centre, soon to be known as the Medicare Mental Health Centre was officially opened by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and State Health Minister Chris Picton.

The Centre which is located at 23 Gillingham Road Elizabeth adjacent to Elizabeth CBD and Railway Centre has already made a significant impact with over 155 individuals accessing support since doors opened in Mid-April.

Adelaide PHN is proud to Commission the Centre in partnership with Northern Adelaide LHN, as this initiative reflects our commitment to shaping an equitable healthcare system and a healthier Adelaide.

The Centre delivered by Sonder offers free caring, friendly and helpful support for people experiencing distress or someone they care about. 

Individuals can access immediate support with personalised care suited to their individual needs from a dedicated team of clinicians and peer practitioners without the need for an appointment or referral. The centre also provides an alternative to the Emergency Department for people not requiring medical care, as demonstrated by 30 % of guests to date, reporting that they would have visited an Emergency Dept or other after-hours service if the centre was not available.

Co-designed by members of the local community with lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, the centre offers a calm, inclusive and welcoming environment. It also, features custom Aboriginal artwork, carefully chosen soft furnishings, soothing ambient lighting, and a number of private relaxation areas.

Individuals leave the centre stating they felt significantly better, with a reported 44% improvement in their wellbeing. One individual expressed their support for the centre and how it has impacted their overall wellbeing. 

 “I’ve tried many organisations to help me deal with my mental health and trauma I ‘ve recently gone through, but I feel like walking through those doors today was the best decision I’ve made and wish it was the first door I’d walked through….”

The centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 9pm and 12pm – 6.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. 

For more details on the centre, click here.