Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has today launched a new mental health initiative that will make it easier for vulnerable North Queenslanders to access mental health services.
The initiative – called MyndKind – is free and connects people with a more diverse range of flexible services and support to meet their individual needs.
MyndKind is a partnership between NQPHN and 17 service providers. It is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) through NQPHN to create a better mental healthcare experience for North Queenslanders.
NQPHN Interim Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said MyndKind supported people in the greater Cairns, Townsville and Mackay regions, including rural and remote areas, who found it difficult to access mental health services.
“MyndKind is a new approach to mental healthcare, which has been designed in North Queensland with locals who have personally navigated their own mental health challenges and experiences,” Mr Tooth said.
“Its aim is to support people who face financial hardship, limited transport, and other challenges that make it hard to get the help they need – and it’s already having a positive impact on the community.
“One woman, who was unable to get out of bed, and for who telehealth wouldn’t work, was able to access counselling from the comfort of her home. Another man met his provider in a park for his first several sessions.
“This shows the lengths that the MyndKind service providers will go to to make sure people get the help they need.”
Throughout 2023 and 2024, NQPHN worked with more than 580 stakeholders to design MyndKind, conducting 21 group workshops, three GP focus group meetings, and 40 individual stakeholder meetings.
“Through our consultation process, we heard from people with their own mental health experiences that this initiative needed to be different; it needed to fit the person using it,” Mr Tooth said.
“The aim of MyndKind is to put people at the centre of their mental health journey, so they feel heard, understood, and respected, every step of the way.
“It offers a more diverse range of services and support, and it’s flexible, which means people can get support in a group, on the phone, at home, or even at the park.
“Another main difference is that MyndKind brings together a person’s mental health team, so they don’t have to retell their story repeatedly.”
Community members can access MyndKind and a range of other supports by calling the Head to Health Phone Service, where they will be connected to support that’s right for them.
“People can access MyndKind by calling the Head to Health Phone Service or having their GP or another health professional refer them,” he said.
“MyndKind will continue to evolve based on feedback from community members and service providers.”
