The Federal Coalition’s Duty senator for Dobell, Jim Molan, has announced the opening of a new headspace satellite service in Wyong and Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said she was relieved the two-year wait for the service was over.
“Young people in Wyong and surrounds will now have easier access to mental health services with the opening,” Senator Molan said.
“The new service was announced as a satellite service as part of the Australian Government’s $30M funding commitment to establish 10 new or expanded headspace services,” he said.
“The new service is located at 28 Hely Street, Wyong, and has been commissioned by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) to meet the needs of young people in the community.
“The headspace network is at the heart of the Government’s vision for youth primary mental health services.
“This service will allow young people in the Wyong region to access vital mental health services.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said young people have been affected significantly by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and access to mental health services and support was more important than ever.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians, and particularly younger Australians.
“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that young people have access to care to help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country,” Hunt said.
Molan added: “I want our young people in Wyong to know they are not alone on their journey to good mental health…headspace is here to deliver quality frontline support and ensure the best possible care for people who are at risk.”
Member for Dobell, Emma McBride said after two long years of waiting, young Coasties would now be able to visit headspace Wyong.
She said headspace Wyong was a commitment made by the Federal Government on the eve of the 2019 election.
“This has been a long time coming, and I’m relieved to see headspace Wyong is now open,” she said.
“Young people on the north end of the Coast have been waiting for this Government to deliver on their promise for over two years.
“It’s good to see they now have access to more mental health support services.”
McBride ramped up calls for an update on headspace Wyong earlier this year during the state-wide lockdown, when demand for mental health support was at an all-time high.
“Earlier this year, Lifeline experienced its busiest day on record with over 3,500 calls coming in on one day,” Ms. McBride said.
“headspace has experienced a similar surge in demand, especially with so many students on the Coast struggling with online learning and changes to their HSC exams.
“I’m relieved to know these students can now visit headspace Wyong if they need more support.”
headspace Wyong will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am-5pm to provide Mental Health, Alcohol and other drug services and vocational support.
To make an appointment or to find further information, call (02) 4394 9180 or visit https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/wyong/
Young Australians needing support can access free services through their local headspace or online through eheadspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/). Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au). People seeking help in NSW can also call the dedicated Head to Health number (1800 595 212), talk to a mental health professional and be triaged through this service and directed to the most appropriate care according to their individual needs.
Jackie Pearson