By Brooke Varney, Sarah Keszler and Victoria Raptis
Ocean Grove is set to receive a stand-alone headspace facility, regardless of which party comes out on top at the upcoming federal election.
The new centre would provide free counselling and advice to Bellarine youth aged between 12 and 25 years of age.
Corangamite’s Labor candidate, Libby Coker has supported the construction of a new facility, which comes after Liberal candidate Sarah Henderson’s announcement that she would also campaign for the new centre.
Surf Coast resident Ruby Cairns said, “I don’t think it is a bigger issue than anywhere else in Victoria, but I know so many young people suffer without looking for help, so more outlets will certainly be beneficial to the area”.
The current headspace centre, located in Drysdale, is operated by Bellarine Community Health (BCH). However, the population growth across the Bellarine Peninsula has alerted the local council of the need for a standalone facility.
“With recent deaths due to suicide in the Corangamite electorate, it is so important for youth and their families and friends, to have access to mental health care support services,” Ms Henderson said in a joint media release with the Minister for Health.
In January, the government announced a record $1.45 billion to be delivered for community mental health services over the next three years.
From this, the Western Victorian Primary Healthcare Network is set to receive an estimated $37 million and it is understood part of this funding would go towards construction of the new headspace facility.
“I think another headspace facility is always a great idea as young people are bound to go through a tough time when they grow up. Having one so close to young people along the Surf Coast is bound to be more convenient in terms of location, hopefully making more people likely to go,” Cairns said.
According to the Social Health Atlases of Australia and Public Health Information Development Unit at Torrens University, there were 129 deaths to suicide and/or self-harm in the Corangamite electorate between 2011-2015, and in the 2011 census, Corgangamite held the second highest suicide rate in Australia.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
People aged 12-25 seeking help for a mental health problem should contact headspace at www.headspace.org.au
Featured Image: Ocean Grove Voice
