Opening of headspace Strathpine to improve youth mental health services

Young people in Strathpine and the surrounding region can now access free or low-cost Medicare services through headspace Strathpine, which opened its doors today.

The Australian Government-funded service is a holistic mental health service for young people aged 12-25, and provides mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or work and study support.

Federal Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton, said the COVID-19 pandemic had increased demand for mental health services and that headspace Strathpine would help meet this demand.

“Given the urgency arising from the pandemic, the Australian Government was determined to deliver this new headspace centre as quickly as possible,” Mr Dutton said.

“We had been hoping to open headspace Strathpine before Christmas and we’ve achieved that almost a month ahead of schedule.

“Improving mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities and this new centre will help many young people in our community for years to come.”

The opening of headspace Strathpine fulfils a $3.5 million federal funding commitment made at the 2019 federal election.

Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN) has responsibility for commissioning Australian Government-funded youth mental health services in North Brisbane.

In June 2020, Brisbane North PHN announced that an Open Minds-led consortium would run the new centre, following its successful application through a competitive tender process.

headspace Operations Manager, Alex Woods, said the Strathpine centre would host an official launch event in early 2021.

“Next year’s event will be an open day, where young people, schools, universities and others can come and meet our friendly headspace healthcare professionals and staff,” Ms Woods said.

“headspace centres offer a safe place where young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them,” she said.

“The launch will be an excellent opportunity to discover more about the support available without making an appointment. We’ll release more information as the event approaches.”

Executive Manager for Commissioned Services at Brisbane North PHN, Paul Martin, said the services available from headspace Strathpine would improve functioning of the local health system.

“We are fully focused on implementing the objectives and actions of our five-year joint regional mental health plan. These include ensuring that young people and their families can more easily access the right support when they need it,” Mr Martin said.

headspace Strathpine is located at 441 Gympie Road, Strathpine. To make an appointment, call 07 3465 3000 or visit headspace.org.au.