YOUNG people in the Southern Grampians region will help to shape the look and feel of the upcoming headspace Hamilton Centre at a Design Workshop on this coming Monday, December 11.

Brophy Family and Youth Services is encouraging anyone aged between 12 and 25 to attend from 4-5.30pm.

The workshop will give young people, who have already contributed to the initial design of the Centre, the opportunity to play a part in the next stage of development as construction kicks off.

Brophy executive manager of health services, Penny Bolton, said consistent youth participation was vital to the success of the headspace Hamilton Centre.

“The Centre is being designed with young people and the community at the heart of what we do,” she said.

“A Youth Reference Group has been established and members play an integral role in providing feedback about the Centre which will ensure our services are welcoming, accessible, and youth-friendly to support young people in achieving their goals.”

Ms Bolton said any young person aged 12 to 25 with an interest in mental health and making a difference was encouraged to enquire about joining the Youth Reference Group.

She said young people did not have to be members of the Youth Reference group to attend and participate in the upcoming Design Workshop.

Numbers are growing, however there are still spots available,” she said.

Three key staffing appointments will support Brophy and headspace Hamilton’s commitment to youth-focused health services.

Ms Bolton said securing the services of a clinical lead, an operations manager, and a community awareness and engagement worker – all local to the Hamilton community – was a major boost.

“Those roles are the three key pillars in establishing the headspace service,” she said.

“This is a positive step given the national shortage of qualified and experienced mental health workers and will ensure Brophy can successfully build upon the outreach services it is currently delivering within the Hamilton community.”

Construction on the building, which is located at 48 Thompson Street in Hamilton, is underway.

Ms Bolton said Brophy services would also be delivered from the site and a ‘no wrong door’ policy would support young people to find the right service.

“We’re excited to have achieved some significant milestones which will help us towards an opening date for the headspace Centre after Easter in 2024,” she said.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) chief executive, Rowena Clift, said she was delighted that such experienced mental health staff have been appointed to the headspace Hamilton service.

“Appointing key personnel who are also locals is a real win for the community and WVPHN welcomes the new staff to the service,” she said.

“Breaking down barriers for young people accessing mental health support and helping foster better relationships with their natural support networks is key to the health and wellbeing of our youth. We are proud to support access to appropriate mental health care for them.”

WVPHN provides funding, through the Commonwealth Government, for headspace services across western Victoria.

Visit brophy.org.au/mental-health-hamilton to register for the Design Workshop and for headspace Hamilton updates.