Young people in the Hawkesbury area are now benefiting from a permanent headspace centre.
headspace Hawkesbury, located at 120 Francis Street, Richmond, is now open. It is the 159th headspace to open nationally – part of the Albanese Government’s $278.6 million investment to enhance and expand the headspace network.
Recent natural disasters have had a profound impact on young people in the Hawkesbury and increasing support is critical for communities rebuilding their lives. This new service provides a permanent solution to expand local pop-up services previously established as part of the Government’s initial flood response.
headspace services provide free support to young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness. Care is provided in four key areas – mental health, related physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug support, and vocational services.
headspace Hawkesbury has been commissioned by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network and will be operated by Uniting NSW.ACT.
For young people who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace provides free, telephone and web-based services to young people aged 12 to 25 years with, or at risk of, developing mental illness. Further information on eheadspace is available online at: www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Government is supporting young Australians to reach their full potential and equip them with the tools they need to better manage their mental health now and into the future.
“Earlier intervention is important to prevent and reduce the impact of mental illness, so young people in the Hawkesbury and the surrounding region are encouraged to reach out for the help they need.
“We will continue to expand the headspace network so young people all over Australia can access the mental health care and support they need, when and where they need it.”
Quotes attributable to Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie:
“I’ve spent 15 years advocating for youth mental health services in the Hawkesbury and am very proud that this is being delivered by the Albanese Labor Government.
“I’m very pleased to see headspace open for young people in our region who might be struggling with mental health and wellbeing and I encourage them to wander in and talk to someone at the new permanent Richmond site, the permanent outreach at Windsor and the outreach at North Richmond.
“While we live in a beautiful region, over the last few years our community has survived with the effects of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020 and devastating floods. Seeking support for our mental health is about processing these events and ordinary daily challenges to come out stronger on the other side.”
