Increased mental health support for young people on the Bellarine Peninsula will now be available with the opening of the headspace Ocean Grove. Young people will be able to access services to support mental health, physical health (including sexual health) and alcohol and other drugs.
With funding from the Commonwealth government and in collaboration with Barwon Child, Youth and Family (BCYF) and Bellarine Community Health (BCH), Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) CEO Rowena Clift is pleased the new satellite service, located in Presidents Avenue, will open its doors to young people aged 12 to 25 on the coastal region on Monday 16 August.
“WVPHN and our partners at headspace National are very excited that headspace Ocean Grove is now opening,” said Ms Clift. “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.”
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said that young people trust headspace. No matter how big or small the issue, young people know they can receive the support they need to get back on track and fulfil their potential. “We know 75 percent of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25. That’s why the work we do at headspace is so important. The new headspace Ocean Grove satellite expands on the support headspace is already providing to Bellarine young people experiencing a tough time. “Not only are we supporting you online at headspace.org.au, but Ocean Grove now joins our network of almost 140 other communities across Australia with its own dedicated headspace service.”
BCYF CEO Sandy Morrison said the Ocean Grove satellite will mean more support for young people on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“The new satellite in Ocean Grove, is an extension of BCYF’s headspace Geelong service, and will give young people on the Bellarine increased access to a range of headspace services within their own community,” said Sandy Morrison.