headspace Esperance has opened its doors, providing young people and their families in the area access to youth friendly support to address mental health issues and other challenges affecting their wellbeing.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the operator of the state’s three Primary Health Networks (PHN), has engaged Hope Community Services to manage the delivery of the service as a satellite of the existing headspace centre in Kalgoorlie, benefiting from its expertise and resources.
headspace Kalgoorlie has supported local young people in the Goldfields in over 1300 sessions during the last 12 months, having a tangible and positive impact on the wellbeing of young people in the area.
The new satellite service in Esperance will mean local young people have access to the support they need, closer to home.
Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said it was a great outcome for the local community.
“We know there is a significant need for a dedicated youth mental health service in the area, and the nearest headspace is about a four-hour drive away in Kalgoorlie,” he said.
“This new satellite service will ensure young people can access vital support without having to travel hundreds of kilometers.”
WAPHA General Manager Commissioned Services Mark Cockayne said making sure young people have a safe place to go and get the support they need is more important than ever.
“headspace plays an important role in equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their mental and physical health, and I’m sure the new satellite in Esperance will be embraced by the local community.”
headspace Esperance will be open Tuesday 9am -5pm, Wednesday 9am-5pm and Thursday 11am-7pm.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can contact the service directly or be referred by their GP or mental health professional.
Hope Community Services CEO Mick Geaney said it was great news for the town of Esperance.
“As the lead agency for headspace Kalgoorlie and the satellite centre in Esperance, HOPE is delighted to be providing youth mental health services to Esperance in conjunction with WA Primary Health Alliance.
“It means that young Esperance residents will no longer have to make the eight-hour round trip to get the support they need.”
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said it is a key development for Esperance.
“It means young people will now have the opportunity to engage with their own local headspace services like so many other communities have across rural and regional Australia.
“Young people come to headspace when they’re going through a tough time, and many also volunteer and partner with headspace to help break down the stigma associated with mental health so that help can reached earlier in life.”
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.