headspace Manjimup is set to open its doors in the first half of 2026, and Youth Focus is proud to have been awarded the contract to establish and operate the service.  

“Young people are at the centre of everything we do at Youth Focus, which is why we are so proud to be the lead agency of the new headspace Manjimup,” said Youth Focus CEO, Derry Simpson. “We’ll work alongside young people in the region to understand what kind of support feels right for them and create a safe and welcoming environment where they can access integrated services designed to give them the skills and support, they need – when and where they need it.” 

Young people living in regional areas, like the Blackwood Warren region face unique and significant barriers to accessing mental health support. With half of Youth Focus’ services being delivered in regional and remote areas of WA, and an existing presence in the area, we are uniquely positioned to understand these challenges.  

Our presence in the Warren Blackwood region has grown over the past decade, with Youth Focus currently providing in-school counselling in Manjimup and other schools in the region. This is an opportunity to expand our support in the region, ensuring young people have access to a range of mental health services, when and where they need them. Existing relationships with key organisations in the region, will be crucial to ensuring that the services delivered, support existing community needs. Youth Focus’ connections to organisations, communities and young people across the South West makes this opportunity feel like a natural and exciting extension of our presence in the area.  

“By combining our experience of managing headspace centres and the deep local knowledge of our partner organisations, we believe we can deliver truly meaningful, integrated and accessible support for the young people of Manjimup, and their families,” said Derry.  

headspace Manjimup will provide the full range of headspace services including mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. 

“headspace Manjimup will build on existing youth support services in Manjimup and surrounds, and Youth Focus is well placed to achieve this given their strong networks and experience operating headspace services across metropolitan and regional WA,” shared WA Primary Health Alliance Executive General Manager Commissioned Services, Mark Cockayne.  

Youth Focus is also the lead agency for headspace centres in Albany, Geraldton, Midland and Northam. 

Youth Focus looks forward to keeping the community updated on the progress of headspace Manjimup as the centre moves closer to opening in 2026.