Children’s health and wellbeing hubs to be rolled out in four NSW locations

The Australian and NSW Governments have announced the rolling out of mental health care and wellbeing services via four Head to Health Kids Hubs for children under 12 and their families.

The Kids Hubs are a $35.8 million joint investment by the Australian and NSW Governments and will provide comprehensive, multi-disciplinary mental health and wellbeing care.

The Kids Hubs will provide a welcoming environment to help children and their families discuss the concerns they have and give them the tools they need to deal with any issues.

Services are fully government-funded and offer a range of specialist medical and allied health services provided by teams, which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer workers and Aboriginal Health Workers.

The services will be rolled out progressively until 2027 when all four Kids Hubs will be operational.

The Kids Hubs will be located in:

• Wollongong with outreach to Shoalhaven

• Central Coast

• Orange with outreach to Bathurst

• Penrith

The Governments agreed to co-fund the establishment and operation of the Head to Health Kids Hubs under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.

NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson notes "he increase in children experiencing mental health challenges is a serious call to action for Government. We know we must do more to support young Australians who are struggling with poor mental health.

"We want to make sure that vulnerable families are receiving the support they need and the Head to Health Kids Hubs are one way we are aiming to support children and their families to lead happier and healthier lives.”