An upgraded and expanded service is now available for young people across the Central Coast following the official opening on July 26 of headspace Lake Haven as a full centre.
The service, originally funded as a three-day-week satellite site in 2015, recently received additional funding to upgrade to a full headspace centre.
Since its opening in 2015, headspace Lake Haven has provided over 17,500 occasions of service to more than 4,500 young people.
The enhancement will allow young people to access therapy indoors or in the outdoor therapy garden.
Among those who advocated for the centre’s expansion included Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Member for Dobell Emma McBride, who attended the official opening.
“The mental health of young people is a priority for the Australian Government,” McBride said.
“Support as early as possible can make all the difference for young people who are struggling.
“Making sure support is available close to home is vital.
‘I encourage young people to visit headspace Lake Haven for support with their mental health and wellbeing.”
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) CEO Richard Nankervis said there has been an increased awareness and investment in youth mental health.
“The expansion of the headspace Lake Haven centre is the culmination of effective and ongoing collaboration between all levels of government, the local community and stakeholders over the past eight years,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to see the service expand the provision of mental health support for young people in Lake Haven and the surrounding areas.”
Speaking at the official opening, headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said headspace wants all young people to have access to youth friendly mental health services no matter where they live.
“Young people are resilient and, given the right tools and support, they can get through tough times,” he said.
“headspace Lake Haven has successfully delivered services to young people in this area as a satellite and we know the people in this community value headspace.
“This new centre will provide young people and their families with the opportunity to receive support in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
“We are especially excited to welcome the community into the new outdoor therapy space, named Gawal Matjarr, meaning Many Hands in the language of the Awaba people.
“The space was co-designed and created by local Aboriginal Elders, young people, Central Coast Council, the headspace team and Central Coast Local Health District staff.”
A member of the headspace Gosford, Lake Haven and Wyong Youth Reference Group said the outdoor therapy space would be of special benefit.
“I think this will be really empowering for young people like me who haven’t often been given the chance to take action and make decisions about our own roads to recovery,” the member said.
“I believe young people will be very impressed with either option of spending their time in the indoor and/or the outdoor space.”
For more information about headspace Lake Haven visit headspace Lake Haven details: headspace Lake Haven | Youth Mental Health Centre & Services
For more information about headspace visit: www.headspace.org.au
Source:
PHN