New headspace Launceston site boosts local support
Posted on April 22, 2024
Young people living in northern Tasmania are enjoying better access to free mental health support following the relocation of headspace Launceston to new, larger premises.
Australian Government funding provided through Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) has seen the centre move to a new site which almost doubles the area available for support activities.
The new site on the first floor of 24 Wellington Street was officially opened on Monday 22 April by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP.
Anthea Cooper, CEO of Cornerstone Youth Services – the lead agency that operates headspace Launceston – said the centre had been operating at its previous site for 15 years, and opened the doors of its new premises at the end of 2023.
“The extra rooms and bigger spaces mean more flexibility in how services can be delivered – there is now room for family members or friends to attend appointments with a young person, and for group sessions to be held,” she said.
“It means more young people can be seen by more staff at once. As a result, there are now more appointments available.”
Volunteers on headspace Launceston’s Youth Reference Group, including Jasmine Ellis and Reede Adams-Beckett, helped guide the look and feel of the new centre.
The Youth Reference Group’s influence can be seen in the beanbags, fidget spinners, phone-charging points and coffee station in the waiting room. There is locally sourced art throughout the centre and plenty of natural light.
“We wanted to make the waiting room a really welcoming, comfortable and safe environment, especially for people who might be a bit nervous about coming in for the first time,” Jasmine said.
For Reede, some of the best features of the new premises are the quiet, low-stimulus environment and bigger spaces.
“If you’re feeling a bit nervous around other people, like I was, you don’t want to be sitting close to other people. The new waiting area is bigger and there’s a quiet space off to the side,” he said.
Jason Trethowan, headspace National CEO, said: “This new centre will provide young people and their family with the opportunity to receive support in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
“We are excited to welcome the community into the new space, which was designed with young people, for young people.”
headspace Launceston is open Monday to Friday and accepts referrals from any source, including self-referrals. This is an early intervention service for people aged 12-25 with mild to moderate mental illness. headspace also offers help with physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. More information is available on the headspace website here.
Former headspace Launceston Youth Reference Group member Nina Berkovic (left) and current member Eddie Kidd (right) at the new centre. Nina is also project manager with the young Aboriginal support program, Youth in Mind.