Temporary site to launch headspace
Headspace Horsham will open next month despite delays at its new premises.
The early intervention mental health service will start operations at a temporary location on Monday, April 3.
headspace covers four key areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services to youth aged 12 to 25 years.
Centre manager Jason Pelcher said the service would open at Wimmera Uniting Care’s Baillie Street office until its new building on Hamilton Street was ready.
“Work began on the fit-out of the old Dick Smith building in early March, but we want to get the doors open and start supporting young people as soon as possible,” he said.
“headspace Horsham will have its own office space and interview room at Wimmera Uniting Care.
“Young people can make appointments in the interim by calling Wimmera Uniting Care on 5362 4000, calling into the office or via an online form at www. wuc.org.au/get-help.”
Mr Pelcher said headspace Horsham had successfully recruited staff, including an intake and assessment officer and a youth engagement and community development co-ordinator, and more employees would be added to the team in coming weeks.
“We have had a lot of interest in our advertised roles and we are forming an excellent team who genuinely want to help improve the lives and wellbeing of young people in our region,” he said.
“We have a strong focus on inclusion and welcome young people from all backgrounds, allabilities, races, religion, sexes and sexual orientation.”
headspace Horsham is the first service of its kind to cater for young people in the Wimmera.
“The centre will be a safe zone for young people to drop in, chill out and speak to a youth counsellor about issues such as health, alcohol and drugs, relationships and also study and work options,” Mr Pelcher said.
“Parents are also welcome to consult with headspace staff regarding worries or concerns they might have in dealing with young people.”
headspace Horsham will provide information and services for young people, their families and friends, along with access to health professionals, online counselling services and a postvention suicide support program.
Wimmera Uniting Care is the lead agency for the project, in a consortium that includes Ballarat Health Services, Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault, Grampians Community Health, Skillinvest, Tristar Medical Group, Wimmera Health Care Group, Goolum Goolum and Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN.