Over 100 community members, health care professionals and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the opening of Bowen’s first dedicated Mental Health Hub on Wednesday last week.
The new facility provides a central location for people to access a range of NDIS and government funded programs and services to improve mental wellbeing and contribute to suicide prevention.
Operated by leading not-for-profit charity, selectability, the Mental Health Hub means our regional town has the same services as an urban centre, and market research prior to its opening identified a demand for this.
“We surveyed Bowen residents before establishing the Mental Health Hub and 93 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a purpose-built facility in the region,” said selectability Bowen Regional Coordinator, Luana Land.
“In addition, 85 per cent said they know someone who would have benefitted from our services in the past 12 months and 70 per cent said they would have benefitted personally.”
Ensuring people have access to high quality mental wellbeing and suicide prevention support in their local community was a priority for the organisation.
“Everyone has a right to access services locally and we look forward to working with residents and groups to ensure that our services are flexible and in line with the needs of the Bowen community,” said Ms Land.
“If anyone is seeking mental wellbeing or suicide prevention support, please contact the Hub or drop in to see the team. You don’t need an appointment.”
Acting Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Mike Brunker welcomed the opening of the Mental Health Hub and selectability’s commitment to improving the mental wellbeing of the region’s residents.
“Our diverse community needs access to the same mental health services available in larger regional centres. This new facility will provide locals with much needed support,” said Cr Brunker.
The Mental Health Hub is located 18 Herbert Street, Bowen.
