Dubbo's youth now have a place to go and people to talk to for all their mental health advice after Headspace opened its doors in the city.
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Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation and is seen as a game changer because of its relaxed atmosphere and easy access for people aged between 12 and 25 years of age.
They offer mental health services but also assist with general health, education and employment, alcohol and drug counselling.
Bathurst received one of the first centres in regional Australia in 2008 and it has become an important part of the community for school children, students at Charles Sturt University and young adults in the workforce.
Manager of Headspace Bathurst and Dubbo, Peter Rohr, is hoping the service in Dubbo will have similar success and said it may even grow to be bigger than Bathurst.
"Bathurst was set up in mid-2008 and it has grown a lot up to now but so has Headspace nationally and I think people recognise what Headspace is and what it does so I think centres become busy faster now than they did then.
"Bathurst sees about 900 young people each year with 4500 face-to-face appointments with people in Bathurst and surrounding communities. We expect eventually, not straight away, the Dubbo will be fairly similar or maybe even a bit bigger," he said.
"Dubbo is a service hub for a lot of other communities so there could be catchment from those other towns and we would be more than happy to provide anyone with support."
Mr Rohr said one of the big drawcards for young people is they can come in and talk to someone without needing any prior referrals and all services provided are free.
He said there is an emphasise on Headspace being a welcoming environment with friendly staff who are happy to help in any way they can.
Headspace aims to provide early intervention for mental health and wellbeing issues, before they become too serious.
"We see a lot of young people at Headspace for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, drug and alcohol difficulties and also situational challenges such as relationship breakdowns. The key message we have for young people is that help is available, and that we've got your back," Mr Rohr said.
Headspace is located at 23 Church Street and appointments can be made by calling in or phoning (02) 5852 1900. More information is available on the website www.headspace.org.au or by visiting the Headspace Dubbo Facebook page.