Orygen is proud to announce it has been appointed to operate a new headspace centre in Moonee Valley, expanding access to free, youth-specific mental health care across Melbourne’s north-west.
The new centre will offer wraparound support to people aged between 12 and 25, including mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.
Following a rigorous tender and evaluation process, Orygen has been selected to operate the service, based on its extensive experience and strong track-record in service design and delivery.
Orygen Executive Director and founder of the headspace model, Professor Patrick McGorry, said the new centre was an important outcome for young people in the region.
“Young people in the north-west will benefit from another welcoming, early intervention mental health service that is driven by the clinical excellence for which Orygen is known,” Professor McGorry said.
“Our appointment to run the centre is another strong endorsement of the work our teams have been doing for years now across the north-west, where high-quality and evidence-based care, research and translation come together to shape better outcomes for young people.
“With Orygen-run headspace centres already operating in Craigieburn, Glenroy, Melton, Sunshine and Werribee, this new service will be built on our expertise, experience and community partnerships.”
Orygen Chief of Clinical Operations, Jane Laidlaw, said the service will deliver the headspace model of care, ensuring youth friendly access to a range of clinical and support services for young people and their families.
“We know what a big impact access to primary mental health support can have in a young person’s life,” Laidlaw said.
“Orygen currently engages more than 5000 young people per year in our five headspace centres across Melbourne’s north-west, and this new centre will allow us to extend this to young people in Moonee Valley, an area identified as being a gap in providing access to services for young people.
“We look forward to working with key service delivery partners and young people to establish and deliver a service that offers support for mental health, education, work, relationships and other challenges – setting up young people for optimal mental health into the future.
“This new centre addresses a critical need for youth mental health resources in this growing region, and we stand ready to work with our partners and young people to deliver on Orygen’s mission to reduce the impact of mental ill-health on young people, their families and the broader community.”
The Australian Government announced $6 million in funding for the new service in 2024, and Orygen was selected to run the centre following a thorough commissioning process undertaken by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
The headspace model was borne out of Oryen's research and advocacy, and established by the Australian government in 2006. There are now headspace services in 175 communities across Australia, along with online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and a presence in schools.