headspace Colac is already having a positive impact with more than 170 teenagers and young adults accessing mental health support via the Hart Street centre since it opened late last year.
Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Emma McBride, visited headspace Colac today for its official launch and met with young people who have been part of the centre’s development.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) commissioned Barwon Health to operate the centre in partnership with Colac Area Health and WDEA Works as part of its mental health services funding from the Commonwealth Government.
WVPHN CEO Rowena Clift said headspace Colac had already become an important resource for young people seeking specialist support services.
“Since opening its doors on 31 October, headspace Colac has helped scores of young people seeking mental health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, family and work and study support,” Ms Clift said.
“Part of its success is due to the dedication of local young people who have been integral in the process for developing the centre. WVPHN is delighted that the Assistant Minister has been able to see first hand the value that the centre is bringing to the Colac community,” she said.
Barwon Health Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services clinical director Professor Steve Moylan said Barwon Health was excited to be offering greater access and seamless care in a way that best suited the young people who use these services in the Colac region.
“As the lead agency for the new headspace Colac service, we are excited by the opportunity this new service brings to the Colac region. By integrating headspace Colac with existing youth services, including our existing Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Service, this expansion has significantly improved the care options available for young people,” said Professor Moylan.
Colac Area Health Chief Executive Fiona Brew said Colac Area Health was thrilled to be a key partner in working with Barwon Health and our local community in providing this critical service.
“The community input led by our local youth has been key in what we see provided here today,” she said.
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said with two in five young people experiencing mental ill-health, it’s never been more important for young people to have access to timely, youth-friendly mental health care.
“headspace Colac is already proving to be a valued provider of support for local young people and their families,” said Mr Trethowan.
“With the right support, young people can and do get better, and go on to live happy, full lives,” he said.
headspace Colac is one of three headspace centres currently operating in south-west Victoria with other centres located in Warrnambool and Geelong. Satellite services are also located in Ocean Grove and Portland. Meanwhile, work has begun on establishing a headspace centre in Hamilton.
headspace Colac is located at 15-17 Hart Street, Colac. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; 11am to 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday.