Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP has joined the Kiama community today to announce an important milestone in the establishment of a dedicated headspace in Kiama.
The lease for Kiama’s headspace has now been signed with the new centre to be located at 11/65 Manning Street, Kiama. This central location will provide much needed access to youth mental health services for Kiama and the surrounding region.
“Young people in the Kiama region have had a really tough few years and they deserve adequate support close to home,” Mrs Phillips said.
“That’s why I promised that I would deliver a dedicated headspace for Kiama, and it is so fantastic to see that moving forward with the signing of the lease,” Mrs Phillips said.
“And what a fantastic location – walking distance to the local high school, train station and the beach – this location will help make it easier for local young people to get help when they need it,” she said.
“I've seen what a difference headspace can make to the lives of local young people, delivering the centre I promised in the Batemans Bay area in 2020 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,” Mrs Phillips said.
headspace provides dedicated youth mental health and early intervention services to people between the ages of 12 and 25. 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 and the establishment of a dedicated headspace in Kiama will help to alleviate these barriers.
“Bushfires, floods and the pandemic have really taken their toll on people’s mental health, but we know that young people have been hit disproportionately hard by these concurrent disasters,” Mrs Phillips said.
“In addition to this, our youth face pressure from things like HSC and finding employment for the first time. These pressures have been felt acutely in the Kiama region and I am going to do everything I can to ensure our youth get the support they deserve,” Mrs Phillips said.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention the Hon Emma McBride MP said she was pleased to see the Kiama headspace progressing and praised Fiona Phillips MP for her advocacy.
“The Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has been a fierce advocate for a dedicated headspace in Kiama,” Ms McBride said.
“The mental health of young people has been declining over recent years. Intervention as early as possible can make all the difference for young people who are struggling.
“Making sure support is available close to home is essential.
I look forward to seeing this headspace service up and running next year.” Ms McBride added.
The Kiama headspace is expected to be fully operational in early 2024, with site plans for works to be finalised in the coming months.
headspace’s online and phone services can be accessed by visiting headspace.org.au. If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
