Mount Isa residents can now access mental wellbeing services in one central location as not-for-profit provider Selectability officially opens the doors to Mount Isa's first Mental Health Hub.
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The new Hub at 9 West St was officially opened on Tuesday providing a central location for people to access NDIS and government funded programs and services to improve mental wellbeing and contribute to suicide prevention.
Selectability CEO Debra Burden said they had been operating in Mount Isa for almost 10 years but due to growth and demand it was time to create a facility to better respond to community needs.
"Over the last few years we have seen an increased demand for our services and our previous premises wasn't suitable to meet this growing need," Ms Burden said.
"The building we had in the past (in Miles St) was not ideal or fit for purpose so we've made the decision to move into this much bigger building."
Ms Burden said opening a Mental Health Hub in Mount Isa has been an important step for Selectability which is delivering NDIS and group services.
"Our long term vision is to have a 'Clubhouse' downstairs with a community kitchen," she said.
"Clubhouse is an international model based on assisting people with severe and permanent mental illness to give them somewhere safe and welcoming they can feel a part of, as a club."
They also want to develop a bikeshed concept similar to men's shed where people can access bikes as well as get conversational support.
Ms Burden said they understood trying to access and understand the services available in the community can be overwhelming.
"So having a range of options in one location means that people can find the support that is right for them the first time they reach out," she said.
"If anyone is seeking support for mental wellbeing or suicide prevention, please call the Hub or drop in to see the team. You don't need an appointment.
"Everyone is welcome - we offer support at every level and we have great referral partners across the community."
Mount Isa City Council Mayor Danielle Slade 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 support available in larger regional centres," Cr Slade said.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
