headspace Busselton will continue to provide essential services to young people, their families and friends in the South West, as the service is expanded to become an official satellite service.
The Australian Government, through WA Primary Health Alliance, the operator of the state’s three Primary Health Networks, has provided more than $1.1million in funding to expand and upgrade the existing headspace Busselton service, with a new, larger facility with additional services.
Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino said the expansion of the existing headspace Busselton satellite will have lasting benefits for local young people and their families.
“The Government is committed to ensuring young West Australians have access to the best possible youth-friendly mental health services to help them stay healthy,” Mrs Marino said.
“It’s vital that they have a place to turn when they are experiencing mental health issues or related life problems.”
Since opening in 2018, headspace Busselton has been enthusiastically welcomed by local young people and the wider community, supporting close to 300 young people in the area through more than 1,500 sessions.
The move to new premises won’t disrupt the service operations, and young people will be supported to transition smoothly to the new facility.
WAPHA General Manager Commissioned Services Mark Cockayne said during these challenging times it was more important than ever to make sure young people have a safe place to go and get the support they need.
“headspace plays an important role in equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their mental and physical health, supporting them not only now, but into their future,” he said.
“The headspace brand is known and trusted by young people and their families, Australia-wide. Upgrading headspace Busselton to a satellite service with a larger premises and addition of extra support services means more young people can get the help they need, a great result for the Busselton community and wider South West region.”
Relationships Australia WA CEO Terri Reilly said since opening in 2018, the headspace satellite service in Busselton had supported young people in more than 1,500 sessions, including specialist early intervention mental health and wellbeing services.
“The re-location of the headspace Busselton satellite to bigger premises will help to expand service capacity and deliver greater regional support – helping to combat the ongoing problem of long distance and service disadvantage in the area,” Ms Reilly said.
“The new premises will provide more headspace clinicians and will also include a fully equipped GP room where young people can receive support for their physical health and with mental health care plans.
“Young people can also continue to access other support services that are co-located in the new premises.”
headspace Busselton satellite will be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Tuesday 11am to 7pm.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can contact the service directly or be referred by their GP or mental health professional.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan said each year a quarter of all young people in Australia experience a mental health issue.
“The opening of headspace Busselton is an important step toward providing increased support to local young people at a critical time in their lives,” Mr Trethowan said.
“Providing young people with localised, safe and youth friendly support is so important, and the growth of headspace Busselton means we can support more young people to get the help they need.”
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.