Campaign on for headspace facility in Ocean Grove

CORANGAMITE federal member Sarah Henderson has joined with Bellarine Community Health (BCH) to campaign for a new standalone headspace facility in Ocean Grove.

Offering services from its Drysdale facility as part of Geelong headspace, BCH is supported by federal funding from the Western Victoria Primary Healthcare Network (PHN).

Although BCH provide a number of youth health services, Ms Henderson said the Bellarine Peninsula’s booming population calls for a standalone headspace facility central to the area.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death of young people in Australia, accounting for one-third of all deaths,” she said.

“In the years 2014-16 in the Corangamite electorate, there were 53 deaths due to suicide.

This is an alarming figure and devastating for local families and communities directly impacted by this terrible loss of life.

“Over recent months, a number of young people have suicided in the region which has been just tragic.”

Coinciding with the Coalition’s announcement to invest $1.45 billion into community mental health services over the next three years, Ms Henderson said Western Victoria PHN will receive an estimated $37 million during this period.

“This massive boost in funding will deliver services tailored to the specific needs of our region and I am lobbying hard to ensure that some of the funding
provided to the Western Victoria PHN will support a new headspace for the Bellarine.”

The record funding commitment will start from July this year and is $170 million more than what was allocated for the previous three years.

Ms Henderson said the federal government is providing $3 million to BCH to support its new allied health services in Point Lonsdale.

“Along with a headspace facility, there is also a strong case for expanded community health services
for Ocean Grove and other parts of the Bellarine,” she said.

Ms Henderson will be joining a panel of experts to host youth mental health forums on how best to support people suffering mental health challenges.

The forums will be held at Springdale Neighbourhood Centre on March 5 from 6pm-7pm and Shell Rd Reserve Pavilion on March 6 from 6-7pm.