Since opening its doors in May, headspace Corio has had a steady stream of young people seeking a range of mental health services and supports. Young people aged 12 to 25, are able to access services to support mental health, physical health (including sexual health) and alcohol and other drugs.
Officially opening the service today, headspace Corio service provider Stride Mental Health CEO Drikus van der Merwe said that his organisation recognised the importance of early intervention in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
“By increasing access to high-quality services like headspace, we can help more young people in the Geelong region to develop the resilience and coping strategies necessary to manage their mental ill-health and maintain their wellbeing into the future,” Mr van der Merwe said.
“Over the last year, 220 young people accessed services at headspace Geelong that will now have a closer centre available to them in Corio.”
With funding from the Commonwealth government, through Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), Stride Mental Health commenced services in Corio from 2 May. Stride Mental Health has successfully operated the headspace Geelong centre and overseen the service at headspace Ocean Grove since June 2022, alongside eight other headspace centres and satellites in Queensland and New South Wales.
WVPHN CEO Rowena Clift said that supports, such as those available through headspace services are vital for young people today.
“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 youth. We are proud to be providing even greater access to appropriate mental health care for them,” said Ms Clift.
“Despite existing headspace services in Geelong CBD and a satellite site in Ocean Grove, the region continues to experience high demand for mental health services. The recent WVPHN Needs Assessment report has highlighted a need to improve access to mental health services in the Geelong Otway region, particularly with the option of free services.”
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said: “With two in five young Australians experiencing mental ill-health, the work of headspace has never been more important. Young people are resilient, and with support can and do weather tough times to get back on track. headspace Geelong and Ocean Grove have played an important role in the community, providing vital support to young people and families in the local area. We’re delighted that this support can be extended to the Corio community via this new satellite.”
headspace Corio is open three days per week from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Young people, their friends and family can visit the centre at 6/10-16 Station Street, Norlane, call 03 5202 8290 or email the centre on [email protected]