Goulburn Headspace hits community hustings | VIDEO

The service in Verner Street, opposite Marketplace, opened last month after years of lobbying. While gearing up for an official launch, Headspace is next week opening its arms to the community.

On Tuesday, April 4 it is holding an information session for local families and friends to learn more about its free health service for young people aged 12 to 25. The event, from 5.30pm to 7pm, is a chance to hear more about the service, how to access them, meet the team and check out the swish new premises.

“We also hope to canvass the community on its needs as a start up to further sessions,” Headspace Goulburn service manager, Leonie Everett said.

She told The Post that when Headspace received referrals, parents wanted to be engaged in the process and the provider could equip them with skills. 

On Thursday, April 6 it will also host an open day as part of Youth Week. Running from 3 to 7pm onsite, the afternoon includes live band music, a free barbecue, stalls, hip hop workshops, acrobatics, dance performances, cheer leading stunt demonstrations and more.

The events are just a taster of what Ms Everett hopes will be a long and meaningful presence.

Headspace opened after years of lobbying by parents, politicians and agencies, following a rise in local suicides.

It is designed as a one-stop-shop, embracing mental health, drug and alcohol counselling, vocational education and training and physical health.

Headspace has partnered with several organisations and agencies to deliver services, including the Southern NSW Local Health District, Anglicare, MAX employment, TAFE, Argyle Housing, the Disability Trust and the Richmond Fellowship. The centre is also engaging a social worker, youth counsellors and workers and a GP. 

“It is an acknowledgement of the barriers faced by young people who present for support. It is about building trust and achieving a connection,” she said.

“History shows that the medical model (where people present directly to a GP) is not the best fit and often it’s about the physical space where a young person can relax.

“The average number of engagements they have with a GP is one, which can come down to building a a rapport and the physical location.”

Young people have had major input into the centre set-up, including colour scheme, furniture and artwork, its structure, staffing and programs through the Youth Reference Group, comprising 16 to 25-year-olds.   

Headspace is about early intervention in mental health and help for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, sexual identity and much more. It’s designed to equip youth with coping skills. Ms Everitt said in the past six weeks young people had been walking through the door asking for help. 

”A number of families have been very vocal about the need for Headspace here and the fact there is a gap in services. They are still very connected through the Reference Group and Suicide Prevention Network,” she said.

Ms Everitt brings her psychology training and eight years’ experience with Headspace to Goulburn. Over the past 18 months she was its state coordinator for suicide prevention support to schools.

Community engagement officer Kaitlyn Middleton has already struck up valuable relationships with Goulburn schools. Mulwaree High School principal Martin Purcell chairs the service providers group.

Her role involves creating awareness of youth issues and Headspace services, hosting workshops, building partnerships with organisations and working with schools.

She is keen to hold workshops with other organisations such as construction companies.

“One of the biggest things is to prevent a mental health problem before it arises and taking a holistic approach,” she said.  

Bookings for Tuesday’s information session are essential and can be made to Ms Middleton on 4824 4925 or via email – kmiddleton@gph.org.au

Goulburn Headspace also has a Facebook page.