Headspace service for young people to open in Syndal early 2021

Monash is celebrating the announcement of the location for the long-awaited headspace service that will provide young people in the municipality with better access to mental health support.

headspace Syndal is planned to open in March 2021 at 265-267 Blackburn Road and will be operated by a consortium led by Alfred Health. The consortium includes Monash Youth Services, Access Employment Services, EACH, Gateway LLEN, Hawthorn Football Club and Launch Housing.

Alfred Health was appointed as lead agency following a competitive tender process led by Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN).

Mayor Brian Little said the site of the new service was ideally located, close to public transport and schools, to make it easier for young people to access support for mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, and work and study.

“We are thrilled that headspace will be opening soon in Monash. This has been a service that our young people and Council has worked tirelessly towards for several years through advocacy and heartfelt pleas to the Federal Government to fund a headspace in our municipality,” Cr Little said.

“Young people were telling us their concerns about mental health long before COVID-19, and we know the impacts of the pandemic have amplified the need for mental health services close to home.”

Cr Little said the advocacy of the Monash Youth Committee had been instrumental in approval for the service. The young people on the Committee led the push for this service for several years, culminating in the powerful #RaiseYourHand4MonashYouth campaign (supported by Monash Leader).

He also applauded the efforts and support over the years by former Mayors Rebecca Paterson, Shane McCluskey, Paul Klisaris and Stuart James and Council staff.

“We thank the Federal Government for listening to the needs of our young people and funding this service,” Cr Little said.

The headspace centre is planned to open in Syndal from March 2021.

In the meantime, young people can access other available mental health services by contacting the free, Australian Government-funded, HeadtoHelp service, which assists Victorians of all ages affected by the pandemic find the best mental health support for them, by visiting or by calling 1800 595 212.

eheadspace is also available and provides free, confidential and anonymous telephone and web-based support services to young people aged 12 to 25 years with, or at risk of developing, mild to moderate mental illness at www.headspace.org.au or on 1800 650 890. headspace Syndal is funded by the Australian Government under the PHN program to improve the care and support people receive from health services.

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