Today is headspace day, so let’s show our support for young people across Australia experiencing mental health challenges.

Each year, a quarter of young Australians, over 1 million young people, will experience mental health issues.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan is encouraging everyone to show their support for headspace day today and take small steps to build their mental and physical wellbeing.

“Today is an important day to acknowledge as young people have been experiencing tough times of late due to the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting economic shock,” he said.

“headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is encouraging everyone and especially youth to take some time today to focus on something positive or to do something you love.

“You can also share your mental and wellbeing tips on social media by adding the hash-tag #headspacetips.

“Today I’m pleased to be able to say establishing the new headspace at Kempsey is going well and three key clinicians have now been appointed.

“When headspace is up and running there will be a total of 10 full-time and part-time employment positions at the centre, with at least five of these jobs earmarked for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – a great outcome for the Macleay Valley community.”

Funding headspace Kempsey delivers on an election promise of the Morrison-McCormack Government to establish 30 additional headspace services (10 centres and 20 satellites) to reduce waiting times for mental health services for young people. A total of $3.4 million is being invested in headspace Kempsey over four years.

Regional welfare agency Samaritans has been appointed by Healthy North Coast which delivers the Australian Government’s North Coast Primary Health Network.

Samaritans Mid Coast Community Services Manager Michelle Stocks has been project managing the establishment of the new centre.

“Delivering headspace is really exciting for Samaritans as it complements our existing community services and will provide a dedicated youth-friendly space for our local young people to visit,” she said.

“Tenders have just closed for the shop fit out at 60 Smith Street, Kempsey, and construction will start in the coming weeks.

“We have just recruited our Clinical Lead for the headspace centre and have hired two local people as Early Intervention Mental Health Clinicians.

“We are actively recruiting for the additional roles in the new centre and we encourage any interested locals to apply. Keep an eye on the Argus or Seek as there will be further roles advertised in the near future.”

Media Contact:

Liz Spry – 0418 928 744