Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub: A Bright Future for Community Support

The Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub has quickly become a supportive and inclusive space for individuals in the Shoalhaven community seeking emotional wellbeing and mental health support.

The new Hub, located at 11 Haigh Avenue in Nowra, opened last month. Created in partnership with the local community, the Hub is funded by COORDINARE, the local Primary Health Network (PHN), and is operated by Anglicare.

As a free service available to both adults and young people in the Shoalhaven region, the Hub boasts a diverse team of professionals, including counsellors, clinical staff, non-clinical staff, mental health practitioners, peer workers, and Aboriginal mental health workers. The team's varied experience and expertise enable them to provide tailored, compassionate care that meets each client's unique needs; ensuring a thoughtful and holistic approach to mental health and emotional support.

Kath, a local First Nations woman and Home Care worker from the Shoalhaven area (pictured above), shared her positive experience with the Hub. After hearing about the Hub's free counselling services from a friend, Kath decided to reach out during a period in her life when she desperately needed someone to talk to. Kath found the process of accessing support quick and straightforward, with no long wait periods to see a counsellor or peer worker.

Kath has expressed that the counselling sessions have greatly benefited her - helping her to improve her mood, reduce anxiety, and find inner peace.

"I feel culturally-supported in every way possible. My sessions have improved my mood, I have clearer thinking, reduced anxiety, a feeling of inner peace and calmness, and I'm also setting boundaries and caring more about myself," said Kath.

"My journey with the Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub has been such a positive experience. I would definitely recommend the Hub to other people seeking assistance. I always feel welcome and I always feel supported."

On first attending the Hub, Kath appreciated that the staff had their profiles displayed on the walls of the Hub as you enter, allowing her to read more about each staff member and what they do. She also felt immediately at ease in the surroundings of the new site, which she says, has a "relaxing vibe".

"I have found that the counsellors and administrative staff are very kind, caring people that are easy to talk to, and they listen to what I'm saying."

During her time at the Hub, Kath has been supported by staff including, Amy Clark, Mental Health Practitioner and Social Worker, and Beck Smith, Aboriginal Wellbeing Counsellor and Peer Practitioner. Amy and Beck have both played a crucial role in Kath's journey. Amy worked with Kath on her mental health goals and employing some coping mechanisms and strategies, while Beck, who was completing a Master of Counselling placement recently, provided additional support by alternating weekly counselling sessions with Amy when Kath needed more frequent sessions.

Both Amy and Beck highlighted the importance of flexibility in meeting individual's needs, and Beck shared her appreciation for the collaborative approach at the Hub.

"All of our team have experience supporting those with mental health challenges or emotional distress, those like Kath. It is great we can collaborate with each other as staff, to help our clients and meet their individual needs," said Amy Clark, Mental Health Practitioner and Social Worker.

"It has been wonderful to witness Kath's journey from when she began visiting the Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub to how she has improved her mental outlook now."

"It is great that clients like Kath can feel they have the flexibility to have their immediate and longer-term needs met and I'm grateful for the team support at the Hub," echoed Beck.

Kath's experience underscores the positive impact the Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub is having in the community, providing accessible, culturally-responsive mental health care, leading the way for a bright future for community support.

Drop in to The Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub, which is located at 11 Haigh Avenue, Nowra NSW 2541. 

For more information on the Shoalhaven Mental Health Hub call 1800 841 190 or click here