Young people in Shellharbour in need of mental health care and support are now able to access services at headspace Shellharbour, which is now open.
The new headspace, located at 162-172 Shellharbour Road, Warilla is the 160th headspace to open nationally and is part of the Albanese Government's $290 million investment to strengthen the network and expand to 173 services by 2025-26.
headspace provides services across Australia to young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill health. It provides mental, physical and sexual health support, drug and alcohol use support, and study and work services.
The South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network received funding from the Albanese Government to set up the headspace in Shellharbour and the service is operated by Grand Pacific Health.
Young people aged 16-24 have the highest rate of mental health disorders across all age groups. Nearly 40% had a mental health disorder in the past 12 months, an increase from 26.4% in 2007.
That's why the government is funding additional headspace services to meet increasing need for mental health support for young people. More social workers, occupational therapists and psychology students and graduates are training and starting their careers where they are needed the most through the Albanese Government's headspace Early Career Program (ECP).
The headspace ECP already supports students and graduates to undertake placements across 56 headspace services.
Through supervised primary health care rotations, students and graduates get real world experience under expert guidance. These placements boost the mental health workforce so young people seeking help get the support they need where and when they need it.
As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the government is providing additional funding of $27.13 million to continue the program. It means up to 1,500 student and 150 graduate placements will have taken place by December 2026.
For young people who prefer phone and online support services, eheadspace is available on 1800 650 890 and at www.headspace.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
"We know that getting help early can reduce the impact of mental ill health.
"The Albanese Government is expanding the headspace network so young people have access to free, walk-in mental health care and support, close to home.
"Young people in Shellharbour now have a local headspace, focused on the mental health needs in their community."
Quotes attributable to Stephen Jones MP, Member for Whitlam:
"I'm pleased headspace Shellharbour is now open so local youth in our region can access the support services they need without having to travel 30 minutes into Wollongong or 45 minutes down to Nowra.
"Our government is making significant investments in mental health support services and programs in the Budget, because we know they're critical for young Australians.
"We know the headspace team do an incredible job in regional communities, and I know this new service will reduce pressure on our local health system."
