A new headspace centre for Mandurah is one step closer, with the tender process to run an early intervention mental health service for 12 to 25-year-olds now open.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the peak planning and commissioning body for primary health care services in WA, is seeking applications from potential service providers to run the service from July 2018.
The new centre will first operate from a temporary location, and is expected to relocate to the new Peel Youth Health Hub in 2019.
The headspace model is designed to make it as easy as possible for a young person and their family to access the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing.
This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services.
Canning MP Andrew Hastie, said the headspace centre would be key to tackling youth mental health concerns, which continue to be a significant issue in the Peel region.
“The location of a headspace centre in Mandurah is thanks in no small part to a strong grassroots campaign supported by the local community,” Mr Hastie said.
“A petition of over 3400 signatures greatly strengthened the case for Mandurah to the Minister for Health.
“This latest development brings us another step closer to launching a youth friendly mental health service that will help our young people to live happier and healthier lives.”
WAPHA general manager Bernadette Kenny said the organisation acknowledges the mental health issues young people and their families living in Mandurah and the wider Peel Region are facing.
“We are committed to improving access to mental health care, in particular youth mental health services to complement community-based approaches,” Ms Kenny said.
“We are already working closely with some local community groups to support grassroots initiatives that, combined with professional mental health services, will make their communities stronger, healthier and more connected.
“We now know it takes a collective approach, involving all of community, to keep our young people well.”
In addition to the headspace centre, Mandurah has been selected as the site of one of the Commonwealth Government’s 12 National Suicide Prevention Trials, with a focus upon at-risk young people.
What’s headspace all about? Watch:
Service providers are invited to attend an information session on Thursday, November 2 from 10-11.30am at Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club.
Registrations are essential at www.wapha.org.au/headspace-mandurah-briefing.
The tender period will close at 4pm, Wednesday November 29, 2017, with the successful service provider to be announced in early 2018.
For more information, potential service providers should visit etender.wapha.org.au.
Support is available by calling Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800; Lifeline on 131 114; or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.