Heads up for health

YOUNG people in Casey have joined the push for a centre in Narre Warren to help their peers with mental health problems.
A headspace service opened recently in Dandenong for young people aged 18-25 who need assistance with mental health issues, but Holt MP Anthony Byrne wants one opened in the Fountain Fate Shopping Centre precinct.
The Australian Government’s headspace program helps young who are going through a tough time, providing support for problems like depression, anxiety, bullying and body image issues. According to headspace, 92 per cent of young people have reported improvements in their mental health after using the service.
Headspace chief executive officer Chris Tanti is overseeing the rollout of 55 centres across Australia as well as setting up additional programs that include eheadspace, that offers an online and telephone counselling service, and headspace school support which offers a post-intervention program for secondary schools across Australia.
Last week, Mr Byrne campaigned for a local centre with youths including Dani Rothwell, Amanda Carron, Jake Downward, Hayden Devanny and members of Stream of Light group including Madison Moore, Matthew Kellart and Sarah Ardiente.
“Over recent years the City of Casey’s population has grown quickly but the essential services have not kept up with the population growth,” Mr Byrne said.
“Our youth in Casey have a bright future.
“However, when they go through difficult times during their lives, particularly during their young lives, they have a right – and they deserve – to have the appropriate services provided by federal, state and local governments.
“We need to work together to ensure that the interests of young people living in the outer suburbs are not forgotten and that much-needed services like a youth-friendly headspace centre are delivered, especially when 60,000 young people in my local area do not have direct access to an essential service like headspace.”
To Join Anthony’s Headspace for Fountain Gate campaign call 9796 7533 or email anthony@anthonybyrnemp.com.