Young people living in and around Maryborough now have their own dedicated mental health and wellbeing support service, with the official opening of headspace Maryborough on Lennox Street today.
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said headspace Maryborough will provide tailored and holistic mental health support to 12 to 25-year-olds.
“It takes a lot of courage to seek help for any mental health concerns, and the new Maryborough headspace service will help overcome the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing challenges, and make it easier for young people to access these important services locally in Maryborough,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I am deeply committed to improving mental health services in Wide Bay, and I thank the PHN, Wesley Mission, headspace, the Youth Advisory Committee and everyone who has worked to secure this vital headspace service in Maryborough.
“It provides a bright, safe, welcoming space for young people and I am pleased to see it open its doors today so our young people can get the support they need.
“Mental health and suicide prevention is a key health priority for the Morrison Government, with almost $120 million going to headspace services across Australia this financial year.”
Funded through the Australian Government commissioning agency Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN, headspace Maryborough will operate as a satellite service by Wesley Mission Queensland, who operate headspace Hervey Bay.
Wesley Mission Queensland headspace manager Ricky Goostrey said headspace Maryborough, which started accepting clients in the middle of November, was already having an impact.
“The need for mental health services in the area has never been more apparent,” Mr Goostrey said.
“We are already receiving referrals from GPs, families, and even young people themselves who are walking through the door and commenting on how happy they are that we are open.
“headspace Maryborough has a great look and feel and the interest we have received reinforces the great need to offer free support to young people 12-25 tailored to their individual needs.”
The PHN’s CEO Pattie Hudson said looking after the health and wellbeing of people and communities is a priority for the primary healthcare commissioning agency.
“The PHN’s mental health team has worked hard to get the Maryborough headspace site operational,” Ms Hudson said.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Wesley Mission as the lead agent for the Maryborough satellite, particularly after their great work with headspace in Hervey Bay and the community there.”
“With today’s official launch, young people living in Maryborough, and their families, will be able to access local support services in a space they can be comfortable and welcome in, and really call their own.”
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said today’s official headspace Maryborough open marked a great day for the community, with support for young people of particular importance.
“We know that more than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25,” Mr Trethowan said.
“That’s why providing support to young people that’s tailored and specific to the local community is so important – particularly at the moment as many young are experiencing a particularly tough time.
“It is exciting that headspace Maryborough is now officially open, the site will give local young people a place where they can get the support they need to get back on track and fulfil their potential.”
