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New services to help Tasmanian children’s mental health
Freya Lucas
Apr 25, 2024
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Tasmanian children will be supported to get the early intervention and mental health support they need with the announcement of three Head to Health Kids Hubs in Burnie, Bridgewater and East Tamar.
The Head to Health Kids Hubs were announced by Tasmania’s Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, and Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett.The Hubs will provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children under 12 years of age and their families, who are experiencing mild to moderate developmental, mental health, behavioural or emotional challenges. Children do not need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care.These will be multidisciplinary services and may include access to psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer workers and Aboriginal health workers.The Australian and Tasmanian governments are establishing the Kids Hubs together, working in close co-operation to ensure they can improve the mental health of Tasmania’s children. The services will operate through three of Tasmania’s Child and Family Learning Centres.“Like most health issues, it’s best to seek help early. By supporting children with an emerging mental illness or behavioural issues, we can improve a child’s wellbeing now and set them up for a better future,” Ms McBride said.
“It’s clear children need more support with mental health and wellbeing, and families need more free services to help their children.”Over the next four years, the Australian Government is working with all states and territories to create a national network of Head to Health Kids Hubs. This is a key action in the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.Head to Health Kids aims to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children by filling gaps in the health system through the provision of accessible, child-centred services at no cost to families.“Having the Head to Health Kids Hubs based at the Tasmanian Government’s Child and Family Learning Centres provides additional support for young Tasmanians and their families,” Mr Barnett added.“This free service will complement the range of existing services available at our Child and Family Learning Centres, providing families with the wrap-around supports needed as their children grow and develop.”
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