Federal Member for Aston Alan Tudge MP has welcomed the new headspace centre opening for business in a speech to Parliament House today.
The new centre, located in Knox Ozone, will provide important services to young people in the local community. The centre will provide free services to 12 – 25 year olds including General Practitioners, drug and alcohol rehab assistance, counsellors and psychiatric services, an eating disorder clinic and employment services.
Mental health issues amongst young people in Knox is higher than the national average and account for more than half of the burden of disease and injury amongst 15- to 24-year-olds.
Mr Tudge said the centre would be enormously beneficial to local young people and provide much needed support.
“This is the culmination of a two year campaign that I have spearheaded along with members of the local community,” Mr Tudge said.
“This centre is so important because of the prevalence of depression, anxiety and in some cases suicide in Knox, particularly amongst 18 – 25 year olds.”
“This has been a real community effort to get this centre up and running.”
“I’d like to thank locals Pauline Renzow and Prerna Diksha for their tireless effort in getting this centre for Knox.”
“Now’s the time to get the word out to young people who are in need of help,” he said.