Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) welcomes the announcement by the Australian Government’s Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, of a new headspace satellite site in Whittlesea.
EMPHN CEO, Robin Whyte, said the new site will improve access to local mental health services for young people in the community.
“In our community, young people aged 18-24 have the highest prevalence of mental illness of any age group,” Ms Whyte said.
“We welcome the support of the Australian Government to officially establish a new headspace satellite site for the City of Whittlesea and thank our partners for advocating with us for this service.”
City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Lawrie Cox, said that this is a great outcome after years of advocacy.
“We’ve had a headspace outpost trial which was due to end so it’s great news to hear it will now be extended into permanent satellite service. This will mean young people can find the support they need in their local area rather than having to drive to Greensborough or other centres in neighbouring municipalities,” Mayor Cox said.
The satellite headspace will support young people with mental and physical health, alcohol and other drugs, and work and study and will build upon the current services delivered via the youth service hub at ‘EDGE’, Whittlesea Youth Services.
Services are planned to include outreach to the surrounding areas to enhance relationships and build capacity of schools, general practices and other services providers working with young people.
EMPHN will work with existing services providers to establish the new headspace satellite.
Site establishment for the expanded youth service hub and satellite headspace is planned to occur in 2019/2020 and service delivery is planned to formally launch in mid-2020.
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Media enquiries: Claire James claire.james@emphn.org.au 0425 887 397
About EMPHN: Eastern Melbourne PHN is a Primary Health Network funded by the Australian Government to improve the care and support people receive from health services. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. www.emphn.org.au