Boost for Hawkesbury Mental Health Services

Young people in the Hawkesbury area now have access to vital mental health services with the opening of a permanent headspace centre. The newly established headspace Hawkesbury, located at 120 Francis Street, Richmond, is the 159th headspace centre to open nationally.

Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie said that recent natural disasters, including bushfires and floods, have significantly impacted young people in the Hawkesbury region. In response to these challenges, headspace Hawkesbury aims to provide ongoing support and assistance to those affected. 

“I’ve spent 15 years advocating for youth mental health services in the Hawkesbury and am very proud that this is being delivered by the Albanese Labor Government,” Templeman said. “While we live in a beautiful region, over the last few years our community has survived with the effects of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020 and devastating floods. Seeking support for our mental health is about processing these events and ordinary daily challenges to come out stronger on the other said,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride said early intervention in mental health was critical to good outcomes. 

“The Albanese Government is supporting young Australians to reach their full potential and equip them with the tools they need to better manage their mental health now and into the future,” Minister McBride said. “We will continue to expand the headspace network so young people all over Australia can access the mental health care and support they need, when and where they need it,” she said.

Headspace provides services for people aged 12 to 25 experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness. The care provided encompasses mental health support, related physical and sexual health services, alcohol and other drug assistance, and vocational services.

A statement from the government said that the new service not only expands the accessibility of mental health care in the Hawkesbury area but also represents a permanent solution following the government’s initial flood response, replacing previous pop-up services. Headspace Hawkesbury has been commissioned by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network and will be operated by Uniting NSW.ACT.

For those who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace offers free, telephone and web-based services. Young people aged 12 to 25 can access further information on eheadspace through their website or by calling 1800 650 890.