headspace Margaret River has opened its doors, providing young people and their families in the wider South West region with access to youth friendly support to address mental health issues.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the operator of the state's three Primary Health Networks (PHN), has engaged Relationships Australia to manage the delivery of the service as a satellite of the existing headspace centre in Bunbury, benefiting from its expertise and resources.
Federal Member for Forrest, the Hon. Nola Marino, said mental health and suicide prevention remain one of our Government's highest priorities.
"Our young people are our future. It is vital we continue to support young people who are experiencing emerging or existing mental health issues, without the additional barriers of distance and travel.
"headspace Margaret River will complement the existing centre in Bunbury and satellite in Busselton, bringing more services to young people," Ms Marino said.
WAPHA General Manager Commissioned Services, Mark Cockayne, said headspace plays an important role in equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their mental health.
"Bunbury and Busselton headspace services have already supported more than 1300 young people over 5000 sessions last financial year, having a tangible and positive impact on the wellbeing of young people in the area.
"We expect a large uptake of the Margaret River service.
"headspace Bunbury is one of the busiest headspace centres in the state, and the service is expanding to keep up with the increasing demand and provide more accessible, local support for the lower South West community," Mr Cockayne said.
Relationships Australia WA CEO Terri Reilly, said headspace Margaret River will provide young people with a range of support, including mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and work and study support.
"As the lead agency for headspace Bunbury and headspace Busselton for the past four years, we have an active presence in the area and offer support to many young people and their families in the lower South West.
"headspace Bunbury consortium partners, including South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service, GP Down South, Warratah and WA Country Health Service have already provided input and expressed interest in working collaboratively with the new service in Margaret River.
"The opening of headspace Margaret River means more young people across the South West can access the support they need closer to home," Ms Reilly said.
headspace Executive Director headspace Services, Julia Smith said support for young people is vital, particularly in times like these with additional factors such as COVID-19 having a huge impact on mental health.
"We know young people are experiencing a range of potential stressors at the moment due to COVID-19 and this makes accessing mental health support so important.
"It's great that headspace Margaret River will now be able to provide that support to young people, closer to home."
headspace Margaret River will be open on Tuesdays from 11.00am - 7.00pm and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8.30am - 4.30pm.
The service is located at 36 Station Road, Margaret River.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can be referred to the service by their GP, a mental health professional, or by self-referral.
