Beyond Blue welcomes the appointment of St Vincent’s to deliver Australia’s new National Early Intervention Service. 

The establishment of the NEIS, which will be called the Medicare Mental Health Check In, is a promising step towards a mental health system that connects more people in Australia with support before their issues escalate. 

“We welcome the Government’s investment in early intervention and recognise the value that St Vincent’s brings to this initiative through their strong track record in digital mental health,” Beyond Blue Chair Linda Dessau AC CVO said. 

“The introduction of the NEIS follows more than a decade of evidence-based service innovation by Beyond Blue and our sector colleagues, as well as recommendations from the Productivity Commission. 

“We see this initiative as an important opportunity to help more people access mental health support sooner, and we look forward to working alongside St Vincent’s and our sector colleagues to continue advocating for a system that responds to people’s needs early and effectively,” Ms Dessau said. 

Over the past 11 years, Beyond Blue has delivered its NewAccess program to more than 40,000 people, with recovery rates for anxiety and depression symptoms at around 70 per cent. More recently, the program has been adapted and tailored to meet the needs of small business owners through NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO), and workplaces through Before Blue. Both show promising outcomes in mental wellbeing and workplace productivity. 

Earlier intervention services for anxiety and depression can be effective for people who may be feeling unsettled, low, alone or overwhelmed, or experiencing transient distress. It encourages early action to stop issues from snowballing and having a more significant impact on a person’s life by equipping people with strategies to self-manage and build resilience. 

Beyond Blue continues to be committed to work with the community, government and the sector to improve mental health and make it easier for people to feel better earlier, get well and stay well. 

Beyond Blue’s Support Service is available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 and via web chat or email at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support