In response to high demand for local youth mental health services, headspace Nowra has relocated to larger, modernized premises that will enable the service to better respond to the needs of local young people.

Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore today inspected the new premises at 96 Kinghorne Street, along with staff members from Grand Pacific Health and COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN.

According to Jenny Valdivia, Grand Pacific Health’s Executive Manager, the relocation to modernised premises will enable the service to better meet the growing demand.

“We had outgrown our old site and the new premises provide more consulting rooms, better soundproofing and enough space to accommodate the growing workforce, which will be needed to support the long-term sustainability of the service,” said Ms Valdivia.

“We consulted with a number of young people who felt it was in a great spot near the town centre, and easily accessible to young people in Nowra,” she said.

The new premise includes two large group spaces, a reception and waiting area, a GP room and eight other consult rooms, as well as meeting rooms, office space and amenities.

“We’re really happy with the new space and the feedback from young people has been fantastic,” Ms Valdivia said.

COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN worked closely with Grand Pacific Health to secure funding for the relocation through Round 2 of the ‘Youth Mental Health: headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program’.

Dianne Kitcher, COORDINARE’s CEO said, “As youth mental health services are in high demand, fit for purpose spaces are essential to provide a safe and well-utilized service. We continue to seek opportunities to build the available workforce and partner with agencies to ensure mental health services are responsive to community need and accessible in a timely manner.”

Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore, said young people in the Shoalhaven had been through a lot recently with the pandemic, bushfires and recent drought.

“These experiences can certainly impact our mental health and our ability to get through these tough times. Bolstering local mental health services has been a top priority for me, particularly for the Shoalhaven community and I’m delighted this centre is more accessible and youth-friendly,” said Ms Phillips.

“I know headspace can make a real difference to the lives of young people in our community – this upgrade to the local facility is a real win for our community.”

The official opening of headspace Nowra is planned for early 2022 with an opportunity to tour the new site. For more information about headspace support currently available visit the headspace website or phone 02 44467300.

headspace Nowra is one of seven centres in South Eastern NSW funded by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.