12 February 2024
From Head to Health, A Sneak Peak at Armadale’s Newest Health Hub
Officially opened as of late last year, WA’s fourth Head to Health centre represents a significant milestone for St John of God (SJG) Social Outreach and Hunt Architects. Building on the success of the recently completed Midland Head to Health, Hunt Architects secured the Armadale site in early 2023. Despite tight programme timeframes, the innovative collaboration between Hunt Architects and the SJG Social Outreach team led to a successful public opening in November 2023.
The federally funded Head to Health centres provide caring, inclusive, and helpful mental health and wellbeing services within a safe, and welcoming community environment. Addressing the growing demand for easily accessible mental health services, the new Armadale centre offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. Following the completion of Midland Head to Health a year earlier, the Armadale centre embraces similar design philosophies while paying homage to the local environment. The incorporation of warm timbers, carefully curated artwork, fresh whites, and an open spatial layout creates an inviting ambiance uncommon in clinical settings. Notably, the centralized waiting lounge fosters interaction and conversation, striking a balance between comfort and privacy. The site includes six consulting rooms, triage, crisis, and group therapy rooms, along with associated staff and public spaces.
“Funded by the Australian Government, Armadale Head to Health was commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) and is operated by St John of God Social Outreach, part of St John of God Health Care. Head to Health centres are for adults who are feeling distressed, down or overwhelmed, or are worried about their mental health, as well as their families, friends and carers. Services are free and confidential. No referral, appointment or Medicare card is needed. Thorough community and stakeholder consultation were integral to determining the location and design of Armadale Head to Health.
Hunt Architects worked with St John of God Social Outreach to design WA’s first Head to Health site in Midland, which was inspired by the concept of the local environment and Swan River. They worked with us again to create a unique space to house the Armadale service which is also inspired by the local environment and Champion Lakes. Whilst the designs are different and customised to the needs of their local communities, both the Armadale and Midland Head to Health sites offer an ambient, tranquil and welcoming setting.
Thank you Hunt Architects for a job well done.”
David Almond | Manager Contracts and Property
St John of God Health Care
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