CHRISTMAS and New Year can sometimes be lonely and stressful, but a mental health service in the Midland community will be open throughout to welcome anyone who’d like to come in for a free chat.

Open from 10am – 8pm every day throughout the holidays, Midland Medicare Mental Health Centre offers mental health and emotional support to people 18 years and over who are concerned about their mental or emotional health, or struggling with loneliness, grief or stress.

Community members can simply walk in to chat to someone straight away, or make an appointment for counselling. No referral is needed and all services are provided at no cost.

The service also supports families, friends and carers of people experiencing mental health concerns.

According to acting manager Natalie Wo, the extended opening hours at Midland Medicare Mental Health Centre are part of an effort to break down barriers to people seeking mental health and emotional support when they need it.

“We know that 43 per cent of Australians will experience mental health challenges at some point in their life,” said Natalie, “and the time leading up to and throughout Christmas and New Year can sometimes be really stressful.

“At the same time, many community mental health providers are closed or have reduced hours,” she said.

“This can lead to more people visiting after-hours GPs and emergency departments.

“We’ll be here every single day throughout this time, so people can get the free mental health and emotional support they need, when they need it, even if it’s on a weekend or public holiday,” Natalie said.

Medicare Mental Health Centres are designed as friendly, welcoming environments with a range of mental health professionals on hand to provide advice and support for all people aged 18 and over.

Midland Medicare Mental Health Centre is located at 23 Old Great Northern Hwy, Midland.

Find out more at wapha.org.au/mmhc or call 1800 595 212.