headspace Lake Haven - upgraded site re-launched

headspace Lake Haven has today officially opened its doors as a full centre, providing an upgraded and expanded service for young people across the Central Coast. The service, originally funded as a three day/week satellite site in 2015, recently received additional funding to upgrade to a full headspace centre.

Since its opening in 2015, headspace Lake Haven has provided over 17,500 occasions of service to more than 4,500 young people. The enhancement will allow young people to access therapy indoors or in the outdoor therapy garden.

Key figures who advocated for the centre’s expansion, including the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, The Hon. Emma McBride MP, met today to officially launch the expanded centre. “The mental health of young people is a priority for the Australian Government. Support as early as possible can make all the difference for young people who are struggling.

“Making sure support is available close to home is vital. I encourage young people to visit headspace Lake Haven for support with their mental health and wellbeing,” said Assistant Minister McBride.

Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network CEO Richard Nankervis said there has been an increased awareness and investment in youth mental health. “The expansion of the headspace Lake Haven centre is the culmination of effective and ongoing collaboration between all levels of government, the local community, and stakeholders over the past eight years”.

“We're thrilled to see the service expand the provision of mental health support for young people in Lake Haven and the surrounding areas”.

Speaking at the official opening, headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan, said headspace wants all young people to have access to youth friendly mental health services no matter where they live. “Young people are resilient, and given the right tools and support, they can get through tough times.

“headspace Lake Haven has successfully delivered services to young people in this area as a satellite, and we know the people in this community value headspace. This new centre will provide young people and their family with the opportunity to receive support in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

“We are especially excited to welcome the community into the new outdoor therapy space, named Gawal Matjarr, meaning ‘Many Hands’ in the language of the Awaba people. The space was co-designed and created by local Aboriginal Elders, young people, Central Coast Council, the headspace team and Central Coast Local Health District staff.”

A member of the headspace Gosford, Lake Haven and Wyong Youth Reference Group said, “I’m most looking forward to seeing the outdoor therapy space of the Lake Haven renovations! I just know it’s going to have such a positive impact on young people who will now be able to make their own choice to be inside and/or outside in the therapy space while accessing headspace on their mental health journey.

“I think this will be really empowering for young people like me who haven’t often been given the chance to take action and make decisions about our own roads to recovery. I believe young people will be very impressed with either option of spending their time in the indoor and/or the outdoor space”.

For more information about headspace Lake Haven, you can visit their website.

headspace Lake Haven details: headspace Lake Haven | Youth Mental Health Centre & Services

For more information about headspace visit: www.headspace.org.au