Thursday November 24, 2022

Young people in the Colac area have increased access to a range of specialist mental health supports and services with the opening of the community’s new headspace centre in October.

headspace Colac is providing young people aged 12 to 25 and their families with access to a youth-friendly, free and confidential mental health and wellbeing service.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) has commissioned Barwon Health to operate the centre in partnership with Colac Area Health and WDEA Works.

Barwon Health Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services clinical director Professor Steve Moylan said Barwon Health was excited to be the lead agency for the new headspace Colac service.

“We’re dedicated to expanding our youth mental health services in the Colac region and implementing headspace in partnership with experienced support agencies will see a significant improvement in the care available for young people,” said Professor Moylan.

“By integrating headspace Colac with our existing youth services, including our existing Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Service, young people will receive greater access and seamless care in a way that best suits them,” he said.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said headspace Colac would play a critical role in providing much needed support to young people, families, and the broader community.

“It’s critically important that any young person going through a challenging time gets help early,” said Mr Trethowan.

“We know 75 per cent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25, so it’s vital that appropriate and accessible services are available for young people.

“Young people and their families have the right to safe and inclusive support available at services like headspace and I’m sure headspace Colac will be a welcome addition to the local community, providing young people and their families in the area with a space designed by them and dedicated to them that they can go to for help,” he said.

headspace Colac is located at 15-17 Hart Street, Colac.