headspace services at Parramatta and Castle Hill will continue for another three years following a $6 million funding boost and an exhaustive tender process by the Federal Government’s Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
Flourish Australia will be the lead agency running the two services by 30 June, whilst Flourish Australia’s predecessor Parramatta Mission will continue as lead agency of headspace services in other parts of Western Sydney.
Both organisations are working collaboratively to ensure a seamless management transition, with a focus on minimising disruptions.
The management change is part of a routine commissioning process to ensure organisations put their skills into leading headspace at the most suitable locations, taking into account changing local demands, resource availability and other matters.
“The Parramatta and Castle Hill headspace sites will remain in their current locations and continue offering vital mental, physical, drug and alcohol and employment services to young people,” Flourish Australia CEO Mark Orr said.
“Building on the solid work of Parramatta Mission, we want more young people with mental health issues to come to these life-changing centres.”
Parramatta Mission Senior Minister and CEO Keith Hamilton said headspace had made extraordinary youth mental health breakthroughs in Parramatta and Castle Hill.
“We are proud of the support we have delivered to young people which has turned so many young lives around,” Keith said.
The Castle Hill headspace services commenced in mid-2016, while services have been running in Parramatta for more than eight years. Under the new tender arrangements both centres will continue until mid-2022.
Young people concerned about their mental health – or the mental health of their families and friends – can drop into or contact the local headspace centres located at 2 Wentworth St, Parramatta and 253 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill. Anyone with enquiries about the management transition can call Tom Traae on 9393 9669.
headspace helps young people aged between 12 and 25 with recovery-orientated solutions when it comes to mental health issues. At headspace centres, mental health specialists and support staff give young local people the right help at the right time in an easy-to-access, discreet and relaxed environment.
Flourish Australia is a not-for-profit organisation providing support programs, employment, accommodation and hope for more than 5,000 people with mental health issues in New South Wales and Queensland. Advocating communitybased assistance, it is a leading mental health support provider that has been in operation for more than 60 years.
Parramatta Mission provides meals, accommodation and mental health services across Greater Western Sydney, with almost 500 staff and many volunteers delivering more than 70 services. It supports the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our communities to assist them in transforming their lives. These include people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, facing crisis and people living with mental health issues.
Media enquiries: Matthew Watson 0417 691 884
