The headspace clinic has officially opened its doors to Kiama residents on 11/65 Manning Street.

The facility was announced by federal Labor MP for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips last year as a commitment to the Labor government’s pre-election promise to support youth mental health services. 

headspace Kiama will provide services for young people aged 12-25 and will offer mental health, alcohol, drug, work and study support. 

The Albanese government invested $839,656 this financial year for the commissioning, managed by Coordinaire Primary Health Network and operation, managed by Grand Pacific Health of headspace Kiama.

Inside the new Kiama headspace clinic

“We're bringing support and care closer to home for thousands of young people with 89 headspaces services now located across regional Australia,” said Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride.

Between 2021 - 2022, NSW spent $91 per capita on community mental health services, less than any other state. 

Data released in a NSW Health report investigated the disparity between demand for mental health services and the level of services available. 

Community Mental Health patients have increased by 21% in the past decade and funding is lagging behind with an increase of 13% within the same period.

Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore commented on the importance of reducing barriers to accessing mental health services in regional towns.

“Youth in the Kiama region previously had to travel to Nowra or Wollongong to access headspace services. This distance placed unnecessary barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care. The opening of a dedicated headspace in Kiama will help to alleviate these barriers.”

Headspace offers appointments in person, by video or by phone. To find out more, visit headspace Kiama or phone 1800 650 890.