Official Opening of headspace Port Lincoln Under Youturn Management

In the spirit of World Mental Health Month this October, Youturn is pleased to announce that headspace Port Lincoln is now officially up and running under our management, strengthening youth mental health and wellbeing support for young people across the Eyre Peninsula.

Although the centre has been supporting young people since 2020, as of July 2025 headspace Port Lincoln transitioned to Youturn, a trusted not-for-profit organisation with a strong track record in youth mental health, homelessness, and suicide prevention services across Australia.

headspace Port Lincoln provides free, confidential, and youth-friendly support for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families. The centre offers assistance across a wide range of areas including mental health and wellbeing, work and study, alcohol and other drugs counselling, and physical and sexual health.

“We know young people in regional communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialist support. Being based here in Port Lincoln means we can reduce those barriers and ensure young people don’t have to travel long distances to get the help they need,” said James Blevin, Youturn CEO.

“Our team is passionate about walking alongside young people and their families, providing not only individual care, but also opportunities to connect, build resilience, and strengthen community ties.”

“We also appreciate the support of the Country SA Primary Health Network (PHN), who appointed Youturn and whose funding makes it possible for us to provide such a vital service for young people in our community.”

Meeting a Critical Local Need

Located many hours from Adelaide, Port Lincoln and surrounding towns often experience significant gaps in specialist mental health services. headspace Port Lincoln helps bridge this divide by offering in-person, phone, and online support, ensuring young people receive timely care regardless of geographic isolation.

The centre also plays a vital role in fostering community connection and resilience, running programs and events in partnership with local services. These initiatives create safe opportunities for young people to develop skills, form friendships, and feel supported in their community.

Seamless Transition to Youturn

Despite the complexities of a service transition, headspace Port Lincoln remained fully operational during the changeover to Youturn. Young people experienced no interruption to care, with a strong focus placed on continuity of service, team connection, and stakeholder engagement.

“We’ve worked closely with our staff, young people, and local partners to make sure this transition strengthens – not disrupts – services for the community,” said Tahlia Lee, headspace Port Lincoln Centre Manager.

“We’re excited about this new chapter under Youturn and the opportunities it brings to further expand youth engagement, strengthen cultural connections, and broaden health services for young people.”

How to Access Support

Getting support at headspace Port Lincoln is simple and welcoming. Young people can:

Drop into the centre in person – 2/7 Mortlock Terrace, Port Lincoln, South Australia
Call directly on 08 7081 3616
Complete a referral form online at https://headspace.org.au/port-lincoln/
Be referred by a family member, friend, or professional

The service is free and confidential, with a team dedicated to providing youth-friendly care every step of the way.

headspace Port Lincoln is funded by the Australian Government through the Country SA Primary Health Network (PHN).

— ENDS —

Emily Kerridge (Youturn Service Lead), Amanda Glenwright (Youturn General Manager – Health Services), Kelly Pitt (Country SA PHN Project Manager- Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs), James Blevin (Youturn CEO), Mark Hartigan (Country SA PHN CEO), Grace Thomson (Youturn Program Manager- Mental Health (headspace), Tahlia Lee (headspace Port Lincoln Centre Manager).

For more hi-res images, please CLICK HERE

About Youturn:

Youturn is a community-based not-for-profit charity providing social, community, and mental health and wellbeing services across Australia. With more than 35 years of experience, we are trusted to support individuals and communities through life’s toughest challenges, empowering people of all ages to live safe, connected, and meaningful lives. Driven by compassion and equity, we support people in the areas of homelessness and accommodation, community and family support, mental health, and support after suicide loss. youturn.org.au