Media Release: New Youth Health Hub provides virtual support

A new Youth Health Hub will offer support to young people via voice and video call from this week with services to expand as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

The Youth Health Hub is for young people aged 12 to 25 in the Lilydale, Yarra Ranges and surrounding areas and provides mental health, life skills and support, general health and activities.

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith MP said the hub is supported by $4.5 million of Federal Government funding over three years.

“Along with a separately funded headspace satellite service, the Lilydale based hub will deliver vital health and support services for young people living in the outer east, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges,” he said.

Inspiro Community Health CEO Sue Sestan said young people and their families can connect with the Youth Health Hub by text, phone or chat via the website where navigation workers will connect them to services and supports based on their needs.

“Services include mental health, youth counselling, sexual health, dietetics, exercise physiology, housing and homelessness assistance, outreach support, education support, supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth groups, legal assistance and youth-friendly GP services among others,” she said.

Youth Representative Josh Bruni said vulnerable young Victorians needs are often not met.

“Creating a one stop shop where young people can go to get supported and get the help they need, will go a long way to supporting young people and creating brighter futures,” he said.

A Youth Reference Group is involved in designing, monitoring and evaluating hub activities and services during its operation.

The Youth Health Hub is operated by Inspiro Community Health Service, and partners including Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Anchor housing services and Cire education services.

The Knox headspace satellite in Lilydale, which is separately funded by the Australian Government, will work in collaboration with the hub, along with Main Street Medical in Lilydale.

The hub will operate virtually in line with COVID-19 restrictions. A physical hub is planned to be located in Lilydale, with outreach services operating from partner organisations including Anchor in Lilydale, Inspiro in Lilydale and Belgrave, Oonah in Healesville, Eastern Community Legal Centre in Healesville and Cire in Yarra Junction.

Youth Health Hub
• Tel: 03 9757 8777
• Mobile: 0409 348 604
• Email: youthhealthhub@inspiro.org.au
• Website: www.inspiro.org.au/youthhealth

The hub is currently funded until 30 June 2022 by the Australian Government through Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network.

Media enquiries: Penny Molnar m: 0448 886 146 e: penny.molnar@inspiro.org.au