Children in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and on the Fleurieu Peninsula now have access to early intervention and mental health support through a new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub.

The Kids Hub located at the Marion GP Plus Health Care Centre was officially opened last week by Emma McBride MP, federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Chris Picton, SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

The Kids Hub provides free mental health and wellbeing support for children aged 0-12 years experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges, while supporting their families, carers and kin.

Children don’t need a formal referral or diagnosis to receive care.

The Marion Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub will service southern Adelaide families, including those living in Bedford Park.

Outreach services are also available at the Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre, providing access for children, and their families in the outer southern metropolitan region and the Fleurieu.

Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the Australian and South Australian governments are working together to establish a Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub across two locations, aimed at improving the mental health of children. 

The second site will be established in northern Adelaide with the location to be confirmed.

Over the next four years, the federal government is working with all states and territories to create a national network of 17 Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs.

Kids Hubs aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children through the provision of accessible, child-centred services at no cost to families.

The Marion Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 10 Milham Street in Oaklands Park is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Outreach services at Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre on Pridham Boulevard in Aldinga Beach are open Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

For more information about Kids Hubs and helpful resources, visit the website.