A larger and upgraded headspace centre has opened in Ashfield, aiming to improve access to free mental health care for young people in Sydney’s Inner West.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said accessible local services were critical for young people seeking early support. He said the upgraded centre would ensure those “doing it tough” could access help close to home and free of charge.
The relocated headspace Ashfield facility is now operating from Level 2, 320 Liverpool Road, offering expanded space for individual and group therapy, as well as increased capacity for GP, psychiatry and student placement programs.
The expansion has been supported by nearly $1 million in funding from the Australian Government, as part of a broader effort to strengthen youth mental health services nationwide.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride said the expanded facility would increase access to care and respond to growing demand, noting the service is expected to be upgraded to headspace Plus to support more complex needs.
Local MP Sally Sitou said the investment would help families in the Inner West access timely support in a safe and welcoming environment.
The centre, commissioned by Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and operated by New Horizons, provides support across four key areas: mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and other drug services.
In the past year, headspace Ashfield supported 635 young people and delivered more than 4,100 occasions of care, reflecting increasing demand for youth-focused mental health services.
Nationally, there are 175 headspace centres, with plans to expand the network to 203 locations. Online support is also available through eheadspace for young people seeking remote assistance.
The Ashfield expansion forms part of ongoing efforts to improve early intervention and accessibility in Australia’s youth mental health system.
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