Young people in the Barwon South West region of Victoria, can now access free mental health support, with the opening of headspace Armstrong Creek.
Located at the Armstrong Creek East Community Hub on Central Boulevard, the service will support young people aged 12 to 25 who are at risk of or experiencing mild to moderate mental ill-health.
This hub will serve the community until the permanent headspace is built near the Surf Coast Highway.
headspace Armstrong Creek provides care in four key areas - mental health, related physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug support, and vocational services.
The service is funded by the Australian through the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and is operated by Stride.
There are now 167 headspace services nationally, with commitments to expand the network to 173 by 2025-26.
To help boost Australia's mental health workforce and make sure young people can access the health care they need, the government has provided $27.1 million to headspace's Early Career Program (ECP) which supports 1500 student and 150 graduate placements in headspace services.
Extending the ECP will lift workforce capacity and support services to meet increased demand across the headspace network.
Young people who prefer online support can access eheadspace by calling 1800 650 890 or visiting www.headspace.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is expanding the headspace network to help meet the growing demand for mental health support for young people.
"Accessing mental health services in regional and remote areas can be challenging that's why we now have 90 headspace service in regional communities.
"We're strengthening Medicare by investing in more mental health support and care for more young people."
Quotes attributable to Libby Coker MP, Member for Corangamite:
"The Albanese Labor Government is investing in the health and wellbeing of our community's young people by opening this headspace in Armstrong Creek.
"I campaigned hard for this service, and I'm so pleased that we are now delivering on our commitment by rolling out a headspace right in the heart of the rapidly growing township of Armstrong Creek.
"The Armstrong Creek headspace is a much-needed addition to the health services available in our region, including the headspace in Ocean Grove.
"Early intervention is key to reducing the duration and severity of mental ill-health, and I encourage any young person who is struggling with their mental health to visit this new service."
