One week after its sister site opened in Rosebud, headspace Hastings is now open for the community.
Co-located at the Atticus Regional Medicentre, headspace Hastings is a new service that complements its parent headspace centre in Dandenong, to provide early intervention mental health support and assistance for young people experiencing complex mental health issues in a primary care setting.
The site was established as part of the Federal Government's $1.5M commitment to the development of a Youth Services Hub on the Mornington Peninsula which also includes the opening of a headspace satellite site in Rosebud last week.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, said the opening of this centre would help provide appropriate mental health support across Western Port and the Mornington Peninsula.
"At any time, mental health support is vital for all members of our community," Minister Hunt said. As part of the 2019 Election, I fought to secure headspace services on the Mornington Peninsula and I am pleased that headspace Hastings is now ready to open its doors."
"This centre will provide a vital service in the Western Port community and this site, together with headspace Rosebud, will provide mental health services for young Australians across the Peninsula."
Funded by the Australian Government through the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), the new service will be delivered by EACH, who has over 45 years' experience in delivering services that address physical, mental and psychosocial needs at a community and primary care level.
SEMPHN CEO Elizabeth Deveny said EACH are suitably placed to deliver these services within a primary care setting.
"EACH already have an accredited general practice for young people supporting the Doctors in Secondary Schools program and currently deliver youth services through six other headspace sites", she said. "Having headspace Hastings co-located at a general practice is ideal - not only does it strengthen service engagement but it provides valuable continuity of care for that individual".
Ms Deveny said young people may be experiencing barriers when trying to access support, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic.
"We recognise the challenges around accessibility and that some existing youth services may be limited or at capacity during this time," said Ms Deveny.
"It's times like these that headspace can be there to support the individual, whether it's in person or by the phone and reassure them that they are not alone right now".
EACH CEO, Peter Ruzyla said they look forward to supporting SEMPHN and delivering much-needed mental health services to young people across the Mornington Peninsula.
"As a community mental health service provider in Melbourne's Eastern Region and lead agency of four headspace services, including headspace Dandenong, we understand the prevalence of depression, anxiety and in some cases suicidal ideation, particularly amongst young people", said Mr Ruzyla.
"EACH are delighted to have the opportunity to provide this vital service to the Hastings community".
headspace Hastings will be open initially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am-5pm, with plans to extend the opening hours in the near future. During COVID-19, headspace is also offering video and/or phone consultations by appointment.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan said, "The opening of the headspace Hastings means young people in the local area can receive the services and support they need, closer to home.
"We know headspace is a service trusted by young people, and it's great that headspace Hastings will be able to provide help and support to young people across the region to help them get through tough times, and get back on track, which we know is really important at times like this", said Mr Trethowan.
The site is located at 2104-2106 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Hastings and accepts referrals from headspace Dandenong by calling 1800 367 968.
