The new headspace Northam service is now one step closer to opening mid-year, with a lease secured for premises and fit out works underway.
This means young people and their families in the wider Wheatbelt region will soon be able to access youth friendly support to address mental health issues and other challenges affecting their wellbeing closer to home.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) can confirm that headspace Northam will be operated by Youth Focus as a satellite service of the existing headspace Midland, benefiting from its expertise and resources. The service will be located at 143 Fitzgerald Street, Northam.
WAPHA General Manager, Mark Cockayne, said as the operator of the state’s three Primary Health Network with responsibility for funding headspace services in WA, the organisation is pleased to be able to direct more than $1 million towards this new service.
“We know the headspace model is trusted by young people and their families, so the ability to build on the capacity and expertise of the existing headspace Midland service and develop a satellite service closer to home is a great outcome for the community,” Mr Cockayne said.
“We are delighted to play our part in ensuring more young people in Northam and surrounding areas can access youth appropriate mental health services”.
Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer, Arthur Papakotsias, said the new headspace service in Northam would provide much-needed support, care and psychological help for disconnected young people in the region.
“We are pleased to be working with WAPHA and headspace for the betterment of youth mental health services in the Wheatbelt,” Mr Papakotsias said.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan, said he is thrilled the headspace Northam satellite will soon 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.
Northam will become one of four headspace satellites in WA, the others being located in Margaret River, Esperance and Busselton. This is in addition to the existing network of headspace centres in the state (including an innovative outreach trial in the Pilbara) to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young Western Australians.
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.