Mental Health Month

We are committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people in our community and this October, we are supporting Mental Health Month.

We have a role to play as a direct provider and funder of services, and as an influencer of primary care, to ensure that the mental health and wellbeing of the people in our region is valued and supported. We want to ensure that mental health support is accessible and protected so that our community can universally receive the highest quality care, in the right place, at the right time. 

Sometimes, you may know that you need help or support but you don't know where to start. When you are feeling down, stressed or anxious reaching out can often feel overwhelming. We offer a range of community-based mental health services that are free to access for people of all ages. Here is a helpful list of some of the different services and resources available in our community.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If your life or the life of someone you know is in danger, call emergency services on 000. 

Mental Health Services

Mental Health Help Website

Our Mental Health Help website is a local directory of over 300 mainly mental health-based services located in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, and Penrith areas. The tool will help you find support services in our region.

Head to Health

Head to Health services provide a safe and welcoming space for adults who may be in distress or crisis, or who need help finding the right mental health services for their individual needs. Services are free and centres are located in Penrith and Hawkesbury. The free Head to Health phoneline is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Psychological Therapy Services

Our Psychological Therapy Services (PTS) provide short-term support to people who have mild to moderate mental health concerns. Under this service, community members who have been assessed and referred by a GP may have up to 10 free sessions in a calendar year.

Seek Out Support (SOS)

This program is designed to provide patients, with low to moderate risk of suicide or self-harm, access to short-term therapeutic support.

Telepsychiatry

A free telepsychiatry service across our region is available for eligible patients (Centrelink card or healthcare card) who have been referred by their GP. 

Commonwealth Psychosocial Support

The Commonwealth Psychosocial Support service, assists people with a severe mental illness who have reduced psychosocial function and who are not supported by the NDIS. The program strengthens the capacity of people/consumers to live independently, safely, and productively in their community, form meaningful connections in a supportive environment, and reduce the need for acute care.

Recovery from Bushfires and Floods

Whether directly, or indirectly through our families and friends, our region continues to suffer from the trauma of recent busfire and flood events. Leading into summer, we are now preparing for the threat and impact that bushfires may once again bring. There are many different types of support available for community recovery. 
 

Lifestyle and Wellbeing Services

My Health Connector Website

The My Health Connector website is a free online directory to help people improve their social connections and lifestyle supports. The directory provides information about local health and community services available to support people living in our region. 

Live Life Get Active

Live Life Get Active is an outdoor, pysical exercise program for people with emerging or low to moderate mental health issues, with a focus on reducing social isolation and increasing mental health literacy and self-care behaviour.

Hawkesbury Remakery

Hawkesbury Remakery offers Creative Lifestyle and Sustainability Skills (CLASS) through a hub of craft activities. 
 

Services for Young People

headspace

Providing early intervention mental health support to young people aged 12-25 years old, headspace promotes the wellbeing of young people and delivers support across mental health, physical health, work and study and alcohol and other drug needs. headspace centres are at Katoomba, Penrith and Lithgow, with a Hawkesbury centre due to open in December. Outreach is currently offered in Hawkesbury from the Penrith centre.

Youth Enhanced Support Service

The Youth Enhanced Support Service (YESS) is an outreach service for young people aged 12-25 who are at risk of, or living with severe mental illness.

Lithgow Youth Plus

The Youth Plus clinic is a brief intervention service available in the Lithgow area that offers support to young people aged 12-25, who are in crisis. 
 

Other Mental Health Resources and Services

• Lifeline provides crisis support and suicide prevention services for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
• Some helpful tips for preparing to discuss your mental health with your GP.
• Beyond Blue offers mental health resources and support.
• The MindSpot Clinic is a free telephone and online service for Australian adults troubled by symptoms of anxiety or depression.
• MyCompass is a personalised self-help tool for your mental health.