Plenty Valley headspace opens ahead of Mental Health Week

Plenty Valley headspace opens ahead of Mental Health Week

08 October, 2021

A new headspace service has opened at Westfield Plenty Valley, located at the City of Whittlesea’s EDGE Youth Services centre.

Operating three days per week, from Tuesday to Thursday, the new service is run by Mind Australia, the lead agency also operating headspace Greensborough. Services available at headspace Plenty Valley for the growing population of young people in the outer north of Melbourne include support for mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug and work and study.

The new centre will support the federal government’s increased focus on mental health funding; a key priority of the 2021-22 Federal Budget in May.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan says the opening of the Plenty Valley site comes at a time of increased need for young people.

“The opening of headspace Plenty Valley gives more young people in Melbourne’s outer north access to the supports they need, closer to home,” Mr Trethowan said.

“Never has it been more important to support young people so they can stay strong and feel optimistic during tough times.”

Funded by the Australian government via the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN), the service will continue to offer telehealth appointments for the community and shift to in-person appointments as soon as restrictions allow.

EMPHN CEO Janine Wilson says the new centre will provide the growing population of northern Melbourne a much needed option for their mental and physical wellbeing.

“The growth in housing and infrastructure in this northern part of Melbourne over the last decade has been enormous, and with it has come thousands of families and young people.

“I’m delighted that headspace Plenty Valley at the EDGE will provide dedicated support to young people. While it has commenced operating via telehealth in compliance with current restrictions, I know the Mind Australia team are ready to transition straight to in-person appointments as soon as they are able.”

headspace Plenty Valley is located next to the NAB branch at Plenty Valley Westfield, an eight minute walk to South Morang train station and with direct access to the 382, 387 and 901 bus routes. It allows easy access for young people coming to appointments from school, home, work or further study.