headspace Bribie Island opens its doors

14 August 2024

Bribie Island, QLD — Young people on Bribie Island and the surrounding area now have access to vital mental health care and support with the official opening of a new enhanced satellite headspace site. The headspace Bribie Island service, located at 201 First Avenue, Bongaree, opened its doors on 29 July 2024, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of mental health programs for the region’s youth.

headspace is Australia’s leading national platform providing tailored mental health support to young people aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness. The new service on Bribie Island is part of a broader initiative by the Albanese Government to expand mental health services across the country.

To meet the growing need for mental health services, the Albanese Government is investing more than $320 million to expand the headspace network to 173 services by 2025-26. With the addition of headspace Bribie Island, there are now 162 headspace centres operating nationally, 88 of which are located in regional Australia.

Assistant Minister McBride highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating, “The Department of Health is meeting growing needs by expanding and enhancing the headspace network, which offers wrap-around mental health support and care. Young people living on Bribie Island can now access mental health support locally, in their own community, without needing to travel off Bribie. We’re bringing support and care closer to home for thousands of young people, with 88 headspace services now located across regional Australia.”

headspace Bribie Island, which is linked to headspace Caboolture, offers services tailored to the unique needs of the local community. Operating three days a week, the site provides support for mental health, work and study, physical health, and alcohol and other drug counselling. The service is funded by the Albanese Government, commissioned by Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN), and operated by Youturn Limited.

Youturn now proudly manages six headspace sites and centres across Southeast Queensland, including Bundaberg, Gympie, Maroochydore, Caboolture, Toowoomba, and the newly established enhanced satellite site on Bribie Island. This expansion reflects Youturn’s commitment to ensuring young people across the region have access to comprehensive mental health care close to home.

James Blevin, CEO of Youturn, commented on the significance of this new service: “We are thrilled to extend our reach to Bribie Island, ensuring that young people in this community have access to the support they need, when they need it. Our mission at Youturn is to provide tailored care that meets the unique needs of each community we serve, and the new headspace Bribie Island site is a testament to that commitment. We’re proud to be part of this important expansion and look forward to continuing to support the mental health and well-being of young people across Southeast Queensland.”

“The establishment of headspace Bribie Island is the result of persistent effort and collaboration. What began as an idea in 2021 has come to fruition thanks to the dedication of headspace National, Brisbane North PHN, and Youturn. Despite challenges in securing a suitable site and navigating the necessary approvals, our team’s determination has ensured that the young people of Bribie Island now have access to crucial mental health support”, said Mr Blevin.

The new site represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of young people in this region, providing them with the care and support they need, close to home.

For young people who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace remains available at www.headspace.org.au or by calling 1800 650 890.

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ABOUT YOUTURN:

Youturn is a not-for-profit charity started over 30 years ago to help address youth homelessness in the Sunshine Coast region.

Youturn is now a national organisation with a multidisciplinary team of 250+ staff and last year supported over 16,000 vulnerable people through our range of services including accommodation, homelessness, mental health, and suicide prevention.

As a leading provider of youth mental health services, Youturn is committed to innovative and effective care solutions for young individuals facing mental health challenges. Our programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills and support they need to navigate the complexities of modern life.

ABOUT HEADSPACE:
headspace is Australia’s national youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of young people aged 12-25. headspace provides early intervention mental health services to young people and assistance in promoting young people’s well-being. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services.