Headspace Swan Hill finally moved into its new home recently, after almost two years of waiting.
Now located at 11 Pritchard Street, the larger building will provide headspace Swan Hill with more room for new equipment, along with more counselling areas.
Manager Ian Johansen said the move had been many years in the making.
“This is a facility that has been designed with young people in mind,” Mr Johansen said.
“The new building has an increase in consultation facilities which will help us support more young people in our region.
“Since February 2016, we’ve seen over 500 young people seek out our services.”
Headspace Swan Hill had been located at a building inside Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) since November 2015, but the service officially opened in February the following year.
“We’re really thankful to MDAS for allowing is to use that building for the two years we were there,” he said.
“It’s great to now be in a location where we know we’ll be here long-term.
“One thing we love about this new facility is its location close to both secondary schools, public transport and to the centre of town.
“We hope to have more exposure so people get to find out who we are and what we do.”
The new building features six counselling rooms – one more than before – while GP rooms have doubled to two.
There is also a separate staff open-plan office space and a group meeting room.
“We hope to do more group work with young people in the region,” he said.
Located adjacent Swan Hill District Health counselling services, the estimated cost for the new buildings was $1.7 million.
The buildings were funded through the combination of a Department of Health and Human Services grant and Swan Hill District Health reserve funds.
“It’s wonderful to be located next to Swan Hill District Health counselling services,” he said.
“This area has kind of become like a hub for support services now.”
Headspace Swan Hill is closed until January 2 and a grand opening for the new building will be held in early 2018 once landscaping is finished.
“We’re looking forward to a time when everything is completely finalised,” he said.
Mr Johansen said he hoped headspace would have a long and prosperous future in Swan Hill.
“Headspace don’t just offer support for Swan Hill, but for the whole region,” he said.
“Our big hope is that the next generation of community members will flourish, making for a strong community and a strong region.”
Swan Hill headspace supports young people aged between 12 and 25 with general health and mental health concerns.
Headspace offer support for general health inquires, employment and education, housing, mental health, drug and alcohol, and youth work.
You can contact Swan Hill headspace on 4010 7100 or by visiting their centre at 11 Pritchard Street, Swan Hill.
