headspace Portland opens its doors

headspace Portland officially launched on Friday 5 October 2018, giving young people aged 12-25 access to youth friendly, free and confidential mental health and wellbeing services in the Portland region.

Portland has been identified as an area of need for young people who may be experiencing a mental health issue.  As a satellite service of headspace Warrnambool, the Portland service will provide support and resources for young people. The service works closely with Brophy Family and Youth Services which is the lead agency.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said headspace wants all young people to have access to youth friendly mental health services no matter where they live.

“It is exciting that this headspace service is opening in Portland, giving the young people in the local community a place where they can get the support they need to get back on their feet and fulfil their potential,” Mr Trethowan said. 

The headspace Portland service is located at Active Health (Percy St, Portland) and will provide young people, their families and friend’s access and support for mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs and work and study support.

The headspace model is based on early intervention with the knowledge that adolescence and early adulthood is a critical time in a person's life, with research showing that 75 per cent 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.

If you, or someone you know, is going through a tough time, contact headspace Portland on 03 5522 1484.