Support for young people with new Headspace centre in Armadale

A new headspace centre was officially opened in Armadale on September 11.

The centre, located on Fourth Road, offers a range of youth-friendly services in mental health support, general health, education, employment, alcohol and drugs.

Centre manager Annette Chivers said headspace focused on early intervention and aimed to link young people with services all at the one site.

“Headspace Armadale is aiming to become a hub for young people in the region by co-ordinating services and support to prevent young people from falling through the gaps,” she said.

“Since opening the doors in June this year, we have already seen over 200 young people coming through the doors and numbers growing daily.

“A lot of young people are seeking help for issues such as anxiety and depression, substance use, bullying and family conflict.

“The message we have for young people is that there is no issue too small to see us about. The sooner you get help, the sooner things can begin to improve for you.”

Mrs Chivers said the headspace model was based on early intervention with the knowledge that adolescence and early adulthood was a critical time in a person’s life.

Research shows 75 per cent of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 25 and help in the early stages is crucial.

Headspace chief executive Chris Tanti said the new centre would extend the work of the organisation across the country.

“Since 2006, over 120,000 young people have come to headspace for support,” he said.

“We’re continuing to help thousands of young people going through a tough time through our centres and our online and telephone counselling service, eheadspace.”