Young people on the NSW South Coast now have access to free mental health care and support with the establishment of a new headspace service in Kiama.
Located at 11/65 Manning Street, headspace Kiama opened its doors on 12 August 2024.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Albanese Government had invested $839,656 this financial year for the commissioning and operation of headspace Kiama.
“Over the last few years, bushfire, floods and the pandemic have really taken their toll on people’s mental health, particularly our young people - and acutely around Kiama,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Youth in the Kiama region previously had to travel to Nowra or Wollongong to access headspace services. This distance placed unnecessary barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care. The opening of a dedicated headspace in Kiama will help to alleviate these barriers.
“I have been fighting on behalf of the community to establish headspace in Kiama which will also support our young people living in Gerringong, Jamberoo and the surrounding villages.”
headspace is the primary national platform for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride said the Albanese Government was meeting growing need by expanding and enhancing the headspace network, which offers wrap around mental health support and care.
“Young people living on the NSW South Coast can now access mental health support locally, in their own community, without needing to travel long distances.
“We're bringing support and care closer to home for thousands of young people with 89 headspaces services now located across regional Australia.
Mrs Phillips said headspace Kiama would also support local schools, youth and mental health services that have “wrapped their arms around young people and the community following the tragic loss of young lives to suicide”.
“The Kiama community has had to bear a burden that no-one ever wants to experience, but the community has responded with empathy, care, support, creativity and determination,” she said.
“There has been no greater need for this facility than in Kiama, which is why I fought so hard for it.
“I've seen what a difference headspace can make to the lives of local young people, delivering the centre I promised in Batemans Bay and seeing the amazing work of headspace Nowra over many years.
“I am proud to now be delivering this critically important mental health service for young people in Kiama,”
To meet growing need, the Albanese Government is investing more than $320 million to expand the headspace network to 173 services by 2025-26.
With the addition of this service, there are now 162 headspace centres operating nationally, 89 of which are located in regional Australia.
To boost the mental health workforce, including in regional Australia the Albanese government in investing $27.1 million in the headspace Early Career Program, placing allied health students and graduates in headspace services.
headspace Kiama is funded by the Albanese Government, commissioned by the Coordinare Primary Health Network, and operated by Grand Pacific Health.
For those who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace is available online at www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips cuts the ribbon at the new Kiama headspace.
MEDIA CONTACT:
FIONA PHILLIPS: Katrina Condie -0437 662 967
