On Tuesday 3 November headspace Margaret River celebrated officially opening its doors, providing a vital new service for young people in the area.
Key figures who advocated the needs of the Margaret River community on a federal level met, along with young people from the Margaret River community, to officially open the site. Guests included headspace National Board Member Katina Law and Forrest MP Nola Marino.
Established with the support of Forrest MP Nola Marino, WA Primary Health Alliance, and Relationships Australia WA, the headspace Margaret River satellite service provides early intervention mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12 to 25.
CEO of Relationships Australia WA, Terri Reilly said the opening of headspace Margaret River is the culmination of collaboration between the government, the local community and key stakeholders. Ms Reilly welcomed the involvement of the Federal Government in helping to fund and address mental health challenges for young people – particularly in regional areas.
“As the lead agency for headspace Bunbury and Busselton for the past four years, we have had an active presence in the region and offer support to many young people, children and their families in the lower South-West,” Ms Reilly said.
“The opening of headspace Margaret River will allow more young people across the South-West to access the support closer to home.
“We are proud to be part of this important work and look forward to celebrating the opening of headspace Margaret River.”
WA Primary Health Alliance, General Manager Commissioned Services, Mark Cockayne said through making support more easily accessible for local young people in the South West, theyhope those who are needing help reach out.
“When we feel supported, we are in a better position to cope with life’s challenges. During these challenging times, 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 site in Margaret River will be embraced by the local community.”
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan said it was a great day for the community as headspace Margaret River officially opens, providing more support to young people, closer to home.
“We know that more than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25. This makes the work of headspace in local Australian communities like Margaret River incredibly important in building greater awareness and understanding of the importance of looking after mental health and wellbeing.
“It is exciting that headspace Margaret River is now officially open, giving young people in the community a place where they can get the support they need to get back on track and fulfil their potential.”
Funding for headspace Margaret River is provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program and administered by WA Primary Health Alliance.
For more information about headspace Margaret River you can visit their service page, Facebook page, or visit the team at 36 Station Road, Margaret River.