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A long-awaited headspace facility to support young people to access mental health support in Monash will open in October 2020.

A consortium led by Alfred Health and including Monash Youth Services, Taskforce, Odyssey, Access Employment, St Kilda Football Club, Gateway LLEN and Holmesglen TAFE, will deliver the headspace service. The provider was chosen in a competitive tender process by the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN).

A location for the facility is expected to be announced shortly.

headspace Monash will support young people aged 12 to 25 years seeking mental health support and assistance with health, alcohol and drug issues.

Mayor Stuart James said a headspace in Monash is welcomed, not only from young people, but also their families and the broader community who recognise that specialist support for youth mental health is vital, especially in this current time of COVID-19.

“It couldn’t come at a more critical time in the lives of our young people who have repeatedly told us that mental health issues are their biggest concern,” Cr James said.

“Young people were telling us their concerns about mental health long before COVID-19 and we know the impacts of the pandemic have amplified the need for mental health services close to home. headspace is a recognised and trusted service for young people and we are excited and relieved that finally, we will have the service in Monash.

“This couldn’t have happened without the advocacy of young people on our Monash Youth Committee, who led the push for this service for several years, including the powerful #RaiseYourHand4MonashYouth campaign,” Cr James said.

Cr James also applauded the efforts and support over the years by former Mayors Rebecca Paterson, Shane McCluskey and Paul Klisaris, Council officers and also Monash Leader who partnered in the .

The service is funded by the Australian Government under the Primary Health Networks (PHN) program.