Young people on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria will now have more access to better mental health support with the opening of a new headspace satellite service in Rosebud.

Supplementing the services of the existing headspace centre in Frankston, the Rosebud satellite will provide three of the four core headspace streams.  The service will also provide outreach support to young people and their families in the wider Mornington Peninsula region.

This site forms part of the Federal Government’s $1.5M commitment towards the establishment of a Youth Services Hub on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, said the service would provide additional support for youths on the Mornington Peninsula through the coronavirus and beyond.

“Right now, Australians are facing a once in a century challenge,” Mr Hunt said. “It is not only important during the coronavirus to focus on our physical wellbeing, but also our mental wellbeing.”

“headspace’s proactive support for young Australians through this pandemic has been exemplary and this new facility in the heart of the Southern Peninsula means locals can get the support they need in person, over the phone, or online.”

“The important thing for us all to remember at this time is that it is always appropriate to reach out and speak up about mental health.”

Funded by the Australian Government through the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), the new service will be delivered by Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) who have been successfully delivering youth mental health services within the Frankston & Mornington Peninsula community since 2008.

SEMPHN CEO Elizabeth Deveny said Rosebud was the perfect location to open a headspace service, especially during this time.

“We understand that during this pandemic, social isolation can have a significant impact on our vulnerable young people. It’s so important that young people on the Peninsula are able to reach out and connect with the appropriate support services as they need it”, she said.

YSAS already have a strong history of providing youth mental health support within the area and provide support services through headspace Frankston.

“We are looking forward to having YSAS provide the right care and support for our young people in the Rosebud area”, she said.

YSAS will continue to work in collaboration with youth service consortium partners, schools and local general practices as it builds the headspace Rosebud profile in the community. 

YSAS CEO Andrew Bruun confirmed the commitment of his organisation and their local partners to building the resilience of young people in the Rosebud community.

“Over many years of providing services in the Rosebud, we have been privileged to connect with local young people and support them to overcome the challenges they face. With the opening of this new site, we can respond even more effectively when young people reach out to us for assistance.”

headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan said the opening of headspace Rosebud was important to increase access to mental health support for young people in the area, particularly as young people experience drastic life changes as a result of COVID-19.

“We know more than 75 per cent of mental health challenges can arise before the age of 25. This is why early intervention services such as headspace Rosebud is so crucial in providing support to young people in the region who may be going through a tough time, to support them and to ensure they get back on track. 

“headspace Rosebud will play an important role within the entire headspace network as we continue to work towards extending our early intervention services to young people right across the country so they can access the help they need,” Trethowan said.

During this time in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the site is open and whenever possible offering a responsive service for young people via telehealth, over the phone or video conferencing. In person appointments can be offered on a needs basis and where able to be provided safely supported by physical distancing guidelines.

With over 110 sites across Australia, headspace Rosebud is a new satellite offering accessible and responsive services to young people who need help with mental health, alcohol and other drugs as well as work and study support.

headspace strongly encourages young people in the area to reach out when they may feel overwhelmed, particularly during times of uncertainty.

The site is located at 825 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud and is open 9am – 5pm, Tuesday – Thursday