By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE new Headspace in Narre Warren has opened its doors this year to a receptive Casey community continually looking for ways to aid the region’s youth.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne visited the new operational facility on Tuesday to coincide with Youth Week – running from 10 to 19 April – where a meeting was held in which Narre Warren Headspace staff briefed people on the new mental health service.
The Narre Warren facility, which is understood to be having an official opening within the next few weeks, provides mental health support and information to youths, aged 12 to 25 and also includes an Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC), and a Helping Young People Early (HYPE) service.
“National Youth Week is a great week to meet with young people. Casey’s youth have been instrumental in campaigning for Headspace Narre Warren,” Mr Byrne said.
“It is vital they understand what the facility has to offer so they can spread the word about the great benefits of this Headspace for local young people in our community.”
Federal funding for the Narre Warren Headspace was first confirmed in 2013 after a long-running community campaign to bring another service to the Melbourne’s outer south-east, in addition to the existing Dandenong facility.
The push for the new centre increased after a community summit on youth suicide was held at the City of Casey chambers, and covered by the ABC’S Four Corners, in 2012.
The Narre Warren Headspace is open on Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2.30pm.
For more information on the Narre Warren facility, located at 66 Victor Crescent, contact 1800 367 968, or visit www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/headspace-narre-warren.
Those in need of immediate assistance, or who want to talk to someone they can trust, can phone Lifeline on 131 114.
