Ocean Grove’s headspace opens

YOUNG people on the Bellarine Peninsula have better access to mental health support with the opening of headspace Ocean Grove on Monday this week.

The new satellite service, located in Presidents Avenue offers services (either free or at a low cost) to those aged between 12-25 with issues including mental health, physical health (including sexual health) and alcohol and other drugs.

The facility is a collaboration between Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF), Bellarine Community Health, and the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), and was set up with funding from the federal government.

GPs can refer young people by directly contacting their local headspace, and young people can also call to make an appointment themselves.

The service can also offer support to family and friends of a young person.

WVPHN chief executive officer Rowena Clift said breaking down barriers for young people getting access to mental health support and helping foster better relationships with their natural support networks was key to the health and wellbeing of local youth.

“We are proud to be providing even greater access to appropriate mental health care for them,” she said.

Chief executive of headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said that young people trusted the national youth mental health foundation.

“We know 75 per cent of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25. That’s why the work we do at headspace is so important,” he said.

“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 chief executive Sandy Morrison said the Ocean Grove satellite was an extension of BCYF’s headspace Geelong service, and gave young people on the Bellarine increased access to a range of headspace services within their own community.

“The opening of this satellite is very timely not only in terms of the ongoing high demand for all headspace services, but also in the context of the steadily increasing need for mental health support that we have experienced over the past 18 months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the official opening of the Ocean Grove site would provide localised, tailored support for young people close to home.

“There are more pressures on young people today than ever before, and the expansion of headspace will be vitally important in providing additional services for young people in Ocean Grove,” she said.

“We know intervention at the earliest possible stage is important to reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, so I encourage young people in our community to reach out if they need help.”

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said headspace Ocean Grove provided a long-awaited, critical service for young people.

“Young people have come to me and said they desperately want access to local health services,” she said.

“It’s great that the doors of headspace are now open, providing a safe and welcoming space for our youth.”