Head to Health: a legacy of improved mental health support

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many Victorians in lockdown were reporting psychological distress, resulting in a surge in demand for mental health support. As a rapid response, the Australian Government funded a Victorian-wide initiative of fifteen mental health hubs (initially known as ‘Head to Help’ Hubs) to be managed and implemented by Primary Health Networks (PHNs).

Victorian PHNs collaborated to design and deliver two primary functions of the Hubs – assessment and referral through a 1800 (free) central phone number and free face-to-face mental health support from skilled professionals in the local Hubs. Set up in just five weeks, the Hubs presented a new way of thinking about wrap-around mental health models of care and were the first of its kind in Australia. 

Within south east Melbourne, Hubs were located in Berwick, Frankston and Officer. Throughout 2020 they played a pivotal role in bridging the gaps within the system of care by enabling residents to access timely support during their most vulnerable moments. By adopting a holistic view of mental health and addressing the needs of the whole person, the Hub model went beyond the treatment of symptoms, emphasising overall well-being and recovery.

Victoria’s success resulted in a nationwide rollout of the initiative in 2021. SEMPHN assisted PHNs across the country to establish additional services so that more people could access the right care at the right time. Renamed ‘Head to Health’ Clinics, they continued to champion free, accessible and high-quality mental health support for the communities they served.

A Snapshot from June 2022 - July 2023

From rapid response to sustainability

In 2022, funding for 50-60 ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals’ (Locals) was announced to support recommendations in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (Royal Commission). As part of the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Victorian Government, Head to Health Clinics in Victoria are being progressively transitioned to Locals to reduce navigation issues and ensure streamlined services. The newly established Locals will provide treatment, care and support for Victorians aged 26 years and older who are experiencing mental health concerns including co-occurring substance use or addiction. Frankston successfully transitioned to a Local and reopened its doors in June 2023. 

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are building on the knowledge and success of the Head to Health services. By leveraging the experience acquired and the lessons learned, these new models of care will continue to prioritise accessibility, responsiveness, and the delivery of high-quality mental health services. 

From a rapid response initiative to a national service, and now transitioning to a state-led approach, Head to Health Clinics have significantly shaped the mental health landscape. SEMPHN takes great pride in being a part of this transformative journey from the very beginning - and for having played a significant role in driving positive change in the mental health sector. We look forward to the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals evolving to provide timely support for people navigating their mental health journey.