Youth Focus has opened Northam’s new headspace satellite service, offering free counselling and greater mental health support for young people in the Wheatbelt town.
The new service, which operates via satellite from a parent centre at Midland headspace three days a week, hosts three core streams, including mental health, drug and alcohol, and vocational support for young people aged between 12 and 25.
The WA Primary Health Alliance committed $400,000 in capital for the new headspace centre as well as funding of $385,000 a year for two years.
headspace Northam compliments Youth Focus’ existing Wheatbelt Youth Severe Service, which provides free, unlimited counselling in Narrogin and Moora for young people at risk of chronic anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.
Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Arthur Papakotsias said headspace Northam was a welcome addition to the suite of mental health services in the region.
“Both the Northam headspace satellite and our existing services in the Wheatbelt will work collaboratively to provide much-needed support and psychological help for young people in the region,” Mr Papakotsias said.
“Combined, these services offer greater care and support for disengaged young people dealing with severe depression, anxiety and other mental health and life challenges.
“We are pleased to be working with WAPHA, headspace and Avon Community Services for the betterment of youth mental health services in the Wheatbelt and look forward to being able to engage with more young people in the region than ever before.”
The service is located at 98 Fitzgerald Street East, Northam and is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm and Thursdays from 11am to 7pm. Young people do not need a referral.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Cox – 0419 941 443, [email protected]