Mental health in focus

A two-year pilot headspace program has started to take shape in the Pilbara to help combat mental health issues in the region.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price made the announcement progress had been made towards setting up a headspace centre last week, part of an election promise made earlier this year.

Ms Price said there was a clear indication there were concerns about youth mental health in every Pilbara community. “I am thrilled that this much-needed service is coming,” she said.

“I am even more excited it is going to be delivered in such a way that it will benefit the majority of the region, not just one town.

“This service will really be out there at the forefront when it comes to dealing with youth mental health, and will be going wherever there is infrastructure to support it, and where there is young people who need it.”

Introductory co-design workshops were held at the Youth Involvement Council and the Karratha Leisureplex last week as part of consultation and research by Anglicare WA.

Anglicare WA was appointed by the WA Primary Health Alliance to lead headspace 2U, a headspace model which will be trialled in four regions across Australia.

Headspace 2U aims to “flip the headspace centre model inside-out”, with emphasis on pop-up services across the Pilbara.

The workshops aimed to gain insights into the demographic of those likely to use the service and generate ideas for ensuring it will work for people in specific communities.

Anglicare also plans to conduct workshops and interviews with Pilbara youth and their families.