headspace Kiama officially opens its doors to young people
15 October 2024
headspace Kiama located in Manning Street has been officially opened today, giving young people aged 12 to 25 access to youth friendly, free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services in their local area.
headspace Kiama was opened by The Hon. Emma McBride MP (Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention), The Hon. Fiona Phillips MP (Member for Gilmore) along with the young people who have been involved in the establishment of the centre.
Assistant Minister McBride said, “The Albanese Labor Government is meeting growing need by expanding and enhancing the headspace network, which offers wrap around mental health support and care.
“Young people living in Kiama and the surrounding area can now access mental health support locally and in their own community.
“We're bringing support and care closer to home for thousands of young people with 89 headspaces services now located across regional Australia."
Fiona Phillips MP said: “I have been fighting on behalf of the community to establish headspace in Kiama which will also support our young people living in Gerringong, Jamberoo and the surrounding villages.
“Youth in the region have previously had to travel to Nowra or Wollongong to access headspace services, so a dedicated headspace in Kiama will help to alleviate these barriers.
“headspace Kiama will support local schools, youth and mental health services that have wrapped their arms around young people and the community following the tragic loss of young lives to suicide.
“There has been no greater need for this facility than in Kiama, which is why I fought so hard for it.”
According to Prudence Buist, CEO of the South Eastern NSW PHN, the new satellite headspace service has been commissioned by COORDINARE with funding from the Australian Government’s national headspace program.
“We appointed Grand Pacific Health is the lead agency for the service as they successfully operate a number of headspace centres in South Eastern NSW, in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Nowra, Goulburn, Yass and Bega.
"They have consulted with young people based in Kiama and have fitted out the new premises as a dedicated youth health venue. Importantly, youth in Kiama have been able to access support at their parent site in Shellharbour, while the premises were being finalised.
"headspace Kiama can now offer early intervention, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and work and study support for young people aged 12 to 25, three days a week,” said Ms Buist.
Kyla Dowling, a member of the Youth Reference Group said, "As a young person who has grown up in Kiama, I have seen firsthand the need for accessible mental health support. Being part of the Youth Reference Group provides me with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards addressing the needs within the community, ensuring young people feel heard and supported."
Jason Trethowan, CEO at headspace National said: “headspace Kiama will provide young people in the region with increased access to early intervention mental health support, allowing them to get back on track at a crucial time in their lives.
“With two in five young Australians experiencing mental ill health, the work that headspace does has never been more important. headspace is trusted by young people in the Illawarra region, and we’re proud that the services provided by headspace Shellharbour and headspace Wollongong can be extended to the Kiama community.”
Pictured from left: Clare Sutton headspace National, Alan Woodward Chair Grand Pacific Health, Prudence Buist CEO COORDINARE, Assistant Minister Emma McBride, Youth Reference Group member Jordan, Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP, Youth Reference Group member Holly.
Contact
headspace Kiama is located at 11/65 Manning Street, Kiama and is open: Mondays 8.30am - 5pm, Tuesdays 9am – 6pm and Thursdays 8.30am - 5pm.
Young people or families wanting to access the new headspace services in Kiama or Shellharbour can do so by contacting headspace Kiama via phone on 02 42255640 or headspace Shellharbour on 02 4225 5670.
Online and phone support services are also available Australia wide through eheadspace. More information is available via the headspace website. If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.