Young people in and around Margaret River will soon be able to access mental health services closer to home, with a lease secured for a local headspace satellite service in the town.
Opening mid-year, headspace Margaret River will extend the current reach of headspace Bunbury, and the existing Busselton satellite service, providing young people and their families in the wider South West region with 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 with responsibility for funding headspace services, has engaged Relationships Australia, who also operate the Bunbury and Busselton headspace services, to run the new satellite.
WAPHA Regional Manager, Marina Johns, said this is great news for Margaret River’s at-risk young people and their families seeking mental health advice and support.
“We know the headspace model is trusted by young people and their families, so the ability to build on the capacity and expertise of existing local headspace services and develop an additional satellite service is a great outcome for the community,” Ms Johns said.
Federal Member for Forrest, the Hon. Nola Marino, said the service will boost much needed mental health support for young people in Margaret River and surrounding areas and was a welcome addition.
“Distance and travel can be a significant barrier for young people trying to access mental health services in the lower South West. This new satellite service will ensure appropriate support is available to young people, without having to travel long distances,” Mrs Marino said.
Relationships Australia WA CEO, Terri Reilly, said having a headspace in Margaret River is an exciting step towards providing more young residents with the support they have been asking for.
“Following consultation with the local Youth Advisory Council and other community groups, the headspace satellite service in Margaret River will focus on mental health, physical health and support for issues relating to alcohol and other drugs,” Ms Reilly said.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan, said he is excited for the headspace Margaret River Satellite to open its doors.
“This community-based service will ensure young people in the local area can receive the services and support they need, closer to home,” Mr Trethowan said.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can be referred to the program by their GP, a mental health professional, or by self-referral.