The headspace Esperance satellite service will soon expand into a fully-fledged headspace centre, providing local young people with greater support and resources where and when they need it most.
Hope Community Services, who operate headspace Kalgoorlie and the existing headspace Esperance satellite, has been awarded the contract to operate the centre following a competitive open tender process. Their strong local networks throughout Esperance and the Goldfields positions them well to establish and operate the new centre.
Expected to be ready in the first half of 2023, the new headspace Esperance centre will provide the full range of headspace services including mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can contact headspace Esperance directly or be referred by their GP or mental health professional.
Hope Community Services CEO, Merinda March, said she was pleased to announce the award of the contract to bring headspace services to Esperance and the surrounding region.
“Having operated a satellite service in Esperance from our Goldfields headspace service for the past 18 months, we understand the need for a full centre in Esperance. This opportunity to expand the centre to meet community mental health needs for young people is timely and welcomed.”
“The youth in Esperance are often affected by the issue of distance, isolation and service disadvantage. This is particularly noticeable for LGBTIQA+ and Aboriginal young people.
“The award of this contract means that Hope Community Services can expand headspace service capacity to extend operating hours and service capabilities. Hope is excited about working with new and strengthening existing local partnerships and collaborations to ensure we get the best outcomes to support the young people of the region to thrive.”
WA Primary Health Alliance General Manager Commissioned Services, Mark Cockayne, said headspace provides a space for young people to feel safe to connect and learn, at such a crucial stage in their lives.
“Hope Community Services has done a wonderful job operating the satellite service in Esperance and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact an expanded service will have on young people in the area.”
Federal Member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson, said he’s delighted Esperance will now have its own headspace centre.
“headspace already caters for a wide range of young people in Esperance, and the transition from a satellite service to a locally based one will no doubt allow the service to be tailored and enhanced to even better serve Esperance and surrounding communities.”
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan, said the expansion of headspace Esperance into the full centre means young people in Esperance will have access to a broader range of support services to help them lead happy, healthy lives.
“Never has it been more important that young people have access to friendly, youth-focused mental health support close to home.”
“With the right support, young people facing tough times can and do get back on track.”
headspace Esperance has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.