By VANESSA VALENZUELA
YOUNG people in Wyndham will benefit from a new mental health centre set to open in Werribee by 2014.
National organisation headspace will open a new centre in Werribee to provide a range of services for young people aged 12-25 facing mental health issues in Melbourne’s West.
Headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the centre would help bridge the gap between inner western Melbourne and Geelong.
“The new centre to open in 2014 will give young people in Werribee access to services that will support their mental health and wellbeing all under the one roof,” Mr Tanti said.
“The centre will offer mental and general health services, support for alcohol and drug problems and vocational support. It will be in invaluable asset to the community and its young people.”
Wyndham CEO Kerry Thompson said the new centre was a great outcome for young people in the area.
“Wyndham is home to over 38,000 people aged 12-25 and this is expected to rise to over 45,000 by 2021,” Ms Thompson said.
“The creation of this centre is the result of a lot of lobbying and advocacy from Wyndham City and a range of community groups.
“It’s a great example of a local community and the Federal Government working together to achieve positive outcomes for our residents.”
Ms Thompson said a local centre would greatly assist Wyndham’s youth with physical and mental health issues and employ
Prime Minister and Lalor MP Julia Gillard said headspace centres were delivering impressive outcomes for young people around the county and expect to see similar results in Wyndham.
“Mental health is a real issues that isn’t going anywhere without genuine action,” Ms Gillard said.
“Having a headspace service in Wyndham means our young people will have easy access to the support they need to cope with the range of issues affecting our young people today.”
Funding to establish the new site will be delivered as part of Labor’s record $2.2 billion mental health package.
There are currently 40 headspace centres operating across Australia with 15 new centres set to open their doors in early 2013.
