WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (PHN), is proud to be launching the Head to Health Pop Up initiative in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH) and all NSW PHNs. This ground-breaking program responds to the needs of our community as they tackle new mental health challenges as a result of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This model of care, developed in Victoria during their 2020 lockdown, offers a central phone line for assessment, advice and warm transfer, supported by ten Pop Up Hubs across Greater Sydney.
Current data shows that a record 15 million MBS-subsidised mental health-related services were processed between 16 March 2020 and 25 April 2021, and calls to Lifeline increased by almost 20% in April 2021 compared to April 2019 [1]. These figures do not account for the huge impact that the most recent COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown have had on NSW residents.
The Head to Health phone line is managed by qualified mental health professionals. Through a Decision Support Tool, they work with callers to determine the most appropriate level of care, navigate available services and connect them to timely, appropriate support. Head to Health staff take the time to listen to the caller’s concerns and identify the best mental health or other services to support their individual needs. Using the Stepped Care Model covers all types of needs from self-management, digital platforms, local services, PHN-commissioned services, or escalation to acute care.
How can Head to Health help GPs?
Head to Health is designed to take the pressure off general practices by acting as a mental health intake portal. The phone line acts as a gateway for patients to receive support from mental health services relevant to their postcode. Patients can be connected to existing services, including the Head to Health Pop Up Hubs in Blacktown and Parramatta.
The phone line will help navigate regional mental health, AOD, and other services to ensure that our community has access to appropriate support at this time.
As a health professional, you can direct patients to the Head to Health phone line, or call to discuss a patient referral directly. The number is 1800 595 212.
Who can receive help through Head to Health?
Head to Health Pop Up is open to all age groups in NSW, including children.
The program supports clients whether their mental health concerns are pre-existing or if they have emerged during the pandemic. Head to Health Pop Up Hubs are specifically designed to provide mental health care during the extended lockdown in Greater Sydney and complement the Australian Government’s plan to establish a national network of mental health treatment centres.
Head to Health is not a crisis support service, and any at-risk patients requiring urgent care should continue to contact 000.
There is no cost for using the Head to Health phone line or any services received at a Head to Health Pop Up Hub. Aiming to be financially accessible to everyone, Head to Health aims to recommend mental health providers that are low-cost or free wherever possible.
Get Support
The Head to Health Pop Up Phone Line and Hubs have been established by PHNs across New South Wales, and are operated by mental health professionals. In Western Sydney, Pop Up Hubs are located in Blacktown and Parramatta.
Head to Health can boost primary care capacity by helping to navigate appropriate mental health services for patients.
Call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday except for public holidays.
Read more on the WentWest Head to Health webpage: https://wentwest.com.au/health-professionals/programs-and-priorities/mental-health/head-to-health-pop-up/.
[1] AIHW (2021) Mental health services in Australia, available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/mental-health-impact-of-covid-19#mental-health.