New Headspace centre overcomes concerns

Kim Waters
A PROGRAM helping youths with mental health problems has overcome community opposition to open at Drysdale, according to management.
Barwon Headspace’s Toni van Hamond said the service’s push into Peninsula Drive had sparked concerns about “disturbed and drug-affected” youths gathering in the area.
But the Bellarine Peninsula had a “high need” for a Headspace centre, she said.
“Young people who will access our services are already there right now in the community.
Ms van Hamond said the centre would open on Monday initially as a part time service on weekday afternoons.
“Last year we did an analysis of the postcodes accessing our city Headspace hub and Drysdale and Ocean Grove were in the top eight.”
Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association spokesperson Patrick Hughes said residents had finally accepted the program after initial “concerns”.
“There is always concern when something unusual like this is proposed,” Mr Hughes said.