New mental health supports for young people in the Corio/Norlane area are available with the opening of a headspace satellite service this week. Youth across Geelong’s north, aged 12 to 25 years, now have access to services that support mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs and work and study.
The Corio service is funded by the Commonwealth government, through Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), and is delivered by Stride Mental Health, a highly experience mental health provider.
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 she was delighted that such an experienced mental health provider as Stride Mental Health was the successful candidate after what was a rigorous tender process.
“WVPHN and our partners at headspace National are very excited that headspace Corio has now been given the green light. 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 free mental health services in the Geelong Otway region, particularly in the north of the city. 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.
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.”
CEO of Stride Mental Health, Drikus van der Merwe said, “We are thrilled to be expanding our services in the Geelong region with the opening of headspace Corio.”
“Stride is honoured to be the lead agency for headspace Corio and look forward to continue working with the Geelong community, local youth reference group and consortia to support young people in the region.”
“We recognise 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.”
The new headspace satellite 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 St, Norlane, call 03 5202 8290 or email the centre on headspace.Corio@stride.com.au.