Young people facing mental health issues will have another service to turn to at the newly opened Headspace in Melton.
Victorian senator Jane Hume this week launched the centre which will support 12 to 25-year-olds across the key areas of mental health, related physical health, social and vocational support and alcohol and other drug use.
Melton centre manager Dr Teresa Sedgley said the centre was already popular.
“We had well over 100 referrals waiting for us from local health services when we started, and we’re filling our appointment book as fast as we can open up new space,” Dr Sedgley said.
“It really shows the level of support and need there has been for a service like this in Melton, and we’re thrilled to be part of such as strong local community.”
Health figures show Melton has the highest rates of psychological distress of any local government area in Victoria, with 20 per cent of people reporting high or very high psychological distress – nearly double the state average.
Cr Sophie Ramsey said Headspace would make a real difference to youth mental health in the region.
“We’re a fast-growing, young municipality and we know that high rates of young people in our city face a number of mental health risks,” Cr Ramsey said.
Melton is one of 10 new Headspace services across Australia.
