A new headspace centre providing mental health and wellbeing services for young people in Albury Wodonga was officially opened today by Member for Farrer and Minister for Health, Sussan Ley.

headspace Albury Wodonga delivers youth friendly mental health and wellbeing services specifically for 12 – 25 year olds and is one of a national network of over 80 headspace centres across the country.

Minister Ley was joined at today’s launch by headspace CEO Chris Tanti and some of the organisations and young people who have been involved in the establishment of the centre.

Centre Manager Bek Nash-Webster said the community is invited to celebrate the official launch of headspace in Albury Wodonga which has been embraced by local young people and their families since it opened.

“headspace is designed to break down the barriers that make it hard for young people and their familes to get help,” Ms Nash-Webster said.

“There has been a high demand for our services since January this year, with more than 250 individuals accessing the centre and over 500 total visits.”

“It is extremely satisfying that we can provide free general and mental health support, assistance with alcohol and other drug problems, employment and education support and information to young people aged 12 to 25 in our region, who are already walking through our door in such large numbers.“

“The communiy campaigned long and hard for this centre and the launch is a celebration for everyone involved. We’d love you to join us from 2pm for the official ceremony and then enjoy an afternoon of live music and fun activities.”

headspace CEO Chris Tanti said it’s pleasing to deliver headspace sevices to a community that lobbied for a centre over a long period of time.

“The local community advocated strongly for a headspace centre to be established, so we know that it is highly valued. Further, the new centre will help to extend the important early intervention work of headspace around the country.

“Since 2006 well over 100,000 young people have come to headspace centres for support. Coupled with our online and telephone counselling service, eheadspace, we are continuing to help thousands of young people going through a tough time,” said Mr Tanti.

The headspace model is based on early intervention and the premise that adolescence and early adulthood is a critical time in a person’s life, with research showing that 75% of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25. By ensuring help is accessed in those early stages, young people can get things back on track

You can contact headspace Albury Wodonga locally on 02 6055 9555, drop into 155 High Street, Wodonga or contact anytime via the eheadspace website.