headspace Cannington Officially Launches

01 March 2022

Cannington’s very own headspace centre is now officially open and has already received numerous requests for support from young people in the local community.

Located at Units 1 and 2, 1468 Albany Hwy, headspace Cannington provides mental health support services, as well as assistance with physical and sexual health, work and study, and drug and alcohol support services.

The centre hosted its official launch on Tuesday 22 February. The event commenced with a Welcome to Country by Liz Hayden and followed with speeches from key stakeholders, including:

• Federal member for Swan, Steve Irons
• Arche Health (lead agency for headspace Cannington) CEO, Sujeewe Gamagedera
• headspace National Board Member, Katina Law
• WA Primary Health Alliance, General Manager – Commissioned Services, Mark Cockayne

To celebrate the launch, invitees enjoyed morning tea, live music by a local young artist, various activities and an opportunity to network. Please see below photos.

Arche Health CEO Sujeewe Gamagedera said headspace Cannington received 278 referrals since service delivery commenced on the 10 November 2021. 

“We are extremely pleased with the community’s positive response to the new headspace centre in Cannington.  Establishing a youth mental health centre in Cannington has been a good decision and one which young people will derive great benefit from.

 We are, of course, also extremely grateful to have wonderful stakeholders who offer services that complement the headspace model, providing holistic care for our young people.”  

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the work of headspace Cannington was especially needed after a challenging two years for young people.  

“We know one in four young Australians will experience a mental health issue, and 75 per cent of these mental health issues develop before the age of 25,” Mr Trethowan said.

“That’s a very sobering statistic but it highlights the importance of the work happening at headspace Cannington, and at headspace centres right across the country. 

“No matter how big or small the issue, young people know they can receive the support they need to get back on track and fulfil their potential.”

The centre is a convenient 10-minute walk from Westfield Carousel, is easily accessible to public transport and has abundant free onsite parking. Young people are welcome to self-refer or alternatively, can be referred to the centre by their GP, family and/or friends, their school or any other service provider. The centre receives referrals by phone, email or walk-in.

headspace Cannington is supported by the WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.