The official centre re-opening of headspace Albany was a celebratory community event.
The official re-opening and community open day was held on Friday, February 24, with guided tours of the new centre at The Link Shopping Centre, St Emilie Way, Albany.
“We were excited to have the opportunity to show the community how we’ve acted on their feedback, and to celebrate with our Youth Reference Group,” manager Andrew Wenzel said.
“Together, we’ve created a centre that is comfortable and welcoming, which will enable us to meet the growing needs of young people in Albany.”
The centre’s renovation and expansion mean greater opportunities to support more of Albany’s young people and their families in a safe, inclusive and confidential space.
The centre now has seven counselling rooms, including spaces for family or group counselling sessions and a dedicated GP room.
The renovation process included codesign with the headspace Albany youth Advisory Committee and considered feedback from young people and their families visiting headspace Albany over the past 2 years.
headspace Advisory Committee member Chloe Anderson was closely involved in the renovation process.
“This is a celebration,” Chloe said. “We can celebrate the space being there for young people in the community and being able to support more young people.
“The biggest thing is having space to support more young people. I hope it will make young people feel like there is a place to go for them, where you will feel welcome, and won’t feel judged, and be able to feel better about your future if you’re going through a tough time.”
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan says the new-look headspace centre will provide more opportunities for young people to seek support.
“With two in five young people experiencing mental illness, access to mental health support has never been more important.
“headspace Albany has proven to be a vital service for the community, a place young people know they can go for youth-friendly mental health care, including work and study support.”
This service is supported by WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.