Women’s Access Fund for Mental Health

Cabrini opened Australia’s first dedicated women-only mental health hospital in 2021, the Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre, providing a residential treatment program for a wide range of mental health needs, from mood disorders and stress, to trauma and addiction – tailored specifically to the needs of women.

We have seen an increasing number of highly vulnerable women contacting the Centre who do not have private health insurance and are facing financial and other barriers to receiving mental health treatment.  

On International Women’s Day in March this year, a group of local women came together to form the ‘40Women4Women’ group, to raise awareness and funds for the Centre – showing their commitment to support women facing mental and financial crisis.

They raised over $300,000 for the Women’s Access Fund which is providing grants to cover the costs for women in urgent need of in-patient care at the Centre. These women do not have private health cover or the financial means to afford the urgent care they need.

Sharon Sherwood, Chief of Mental Health and Cabrini Outreach is deeply grateful: “The Women’s Access Fund is more than financial assistance, it’s a lifeline. It ensures that no woman is turned away due to financial hardship, and that every woman has the opportunity to heal in a space designed specifically for her needs.”