Young people on the Bellarine Peninsula will soon have greater access to mental health support with the opening of a new headspace satellite in Ocean Grove mid-year.
In collaboration with Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) and Bellarine Community Health, Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) CEO Rowena Clift is pleased to confirm that refurbishment has commenced at the site where Bellarine Community Health operate services from in Presidents Avenue, Ocean Grove.
WVPHN CEO Rowena Clift said: “WVPHN and our partners at headspace National are very excited that the opening of headspace Ocean Grove is set to come in the next three months. Breaking down barriers for young people accessing mental health support and helping foster better relationships with their natural support networks is key to the health and wellbeing of our young people and we are proud to be providing even greater access to appropriate mental health care for them.”
Bellarine Community Health are currently hiring staff for the new headspace service as the refurbishment takes place, with an opening date to be determined as the work progresses.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan said: “One in four young Australians will experience a mental health issue but when help is sought early, young people are best placed to recover quickly and that’s why it’s crucial they have somewhere they can go for support. headspace Geelong has played a critical role in the community for many years, providing vital support to young people and families in the local area. We’re delighted that this can soon be extended to the Ocean Grove community via this new satellite.”
BCYF CEO, Mr Sandy Morrison said: “In collaboration with Bellarine Community Health, the WVVPHN and headspace National, BCYF welcomes the opportunity to further support young people on the Bellarine to access mental health services though the new headspace satellite at Ocean Grove. This satellite will allow young people on the Bellarine to stay within their own community to access the assistance they need, addressing key mental health, physical health (including sexual health) and alcohol and other drugs. headspace Ocean Grove is an extension of headspace Geelong, building upon BCYF’s core vision of a community where children, young people and their families are safe, connected and empowered to live well.”
Bellarine Community Health Executive Director Child, Youth and Families Liz Womersley said: “Bellarine Community Health is pleased to be working with BCYF, WVPHN and headspace National progressing the establishment of the new headspace service in Ocean Grove. It’s wonderful to be able to build on the existing mental health supports within the Bellarine to support youth health and wellbeing and to enable additional choice and improved access to services for young people, their family and friends.”
Young people will be able to access services by contacting headspace Ocean Grove direct or be referred by a GP, a family member or friend. headspace is available to young people aged 12 to 25 years along with their families and friends to provide face-to-face information, support and services. These services are generally free of charge.
[1] As at May 2021 and inclusive of licensed headspace centres, satellites and outposts
About headspace
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year-olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace services in 132 communities across Australia[1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. For locations of headspace services, as well as actsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, please visit the headspace website: headspace.org.au
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