This Whitsunday’s newest mental health and counselling service for local youth was officially launched to the community last week with a formal ceremony followed by relaxed lunch.
Headspace Whitsundays, located on Proserpine Main Street, is a free service that offers early intervention and mental health support to those aged 12-25 years old.
The team offer face to face counselling for issues such as alcohol and other drugs, vocational support as well as sexual and physical health needs.
Over 50 people attended the event including Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP and local elder, Aunty Sue with her son Ryan.
Members of the health industry, groups connected with the service such as PCYC, high school students and contractors who helped construct the space were also invited to the celebrations.
The launch party began with a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and storytelling by Aunty Sue and her son Ryan.
Afterwards, there were speeches and the cutting of the ribbon, followed by an opportunity for guests to take a tour of the facilities in small groups.
Lunch and refreshments were then served and young local musicians played music to entertain the crowd while everyone mingled and enjoyed the festivities.
Headspace Whitsunday is a is a satellite office which is open to the public three days a week from Monday through to Thursday.
With a Clinical lead, two clinicians, a Youth and Community Engagement Officer and a Clinical Receptionist as well as a Youth Reference Group the team have a wealth of knowledge which can assist with a broad range of issues.
Alannah Fitzpatrick (headspace Whitsundays Youth Reference Group Member), Abbie O’Sheehy (headspace Whitsundays Youth Reference Group Member), Amanda Camm (Member for Whitsunday)
Abbie O’Sheehy (headspace Whitsundays Youth Reference Group Member), Kiera Mansfield (Head of Centre Services, headspace National), Whitsunday Elder Aunty Sue, Robin Whyte (CEO – Northern Queensland Primary Health Network) and Luke Guazzo (CEO – Northern Australia Primary Health Ltd)
