New headspace partnership delivers important services for young people
After years of grass-roots campaigning from local young people and the broader community, a specialised youth mental health service in Monash has officially been launched.
Young people, local community members and key local, state and federal government representatives were on hand to celebrate headspace Syndal, opened in partnership with Alfred Health and the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, on 16 July.
This is the first time in over six years that such a service has been delivered in Monash, meeting increasing demand for services for young people at a critical time.
Young person Arjit Sachdeva, who was part of the centre’s co-design working group and a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, highlighted the service’s importance to the local community at a time when people might be feeling more isolated than ever.
“This new centre unites all people to share support and togetherness,” Arjit said.
“As a youth representative, I am glad that the doors are open after long preparation and it can now serve the community.”
Alfred Health Clinical Director of Child and Youth Mental Health Services Paul Denborough said young people in the area were instrumental in advocating for government funding for the service.
“There was an incredible campaign by young people in the City of Monash with the support of the local council and media, which convinced the federal government to set up a headspace centre in this location.”
“It’s an exciting opportunity for Alfred Health and complements our existing headspace centres’ in Elsternwick and Bentleigh.”
Situated next to Syndal Station, the service provides free or low cost access to mental health professionals, GPs, drug and alcohol counsellors and vocational and study support for young people aged 12-25.
Alfred Health is proud to be working with community partners to be delivering the service, giving more young people access to the support they need, closer to home.
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