New Headspace Service Opens in Ballina to Support Youth Mental Health

ROBERT HEYWARD

Young people in Ballina and surrounding areas now have greater access to mental health support with the opening of a new headspace service. Located at 32 Swift Street, Ballina, the facility provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals aged 12 to 25, offering free or low-cost support across a range of mental health, substance use, and vocational services.

A Growing Network for Early Intervention

The new headspace service is part of a national network of 167 centres, funded through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program and administered locally by Healthy North Coast. With a total investment of $2.39 million for the frst three years, the Ballina satellite joins existing centres in Tweed Heads, Lismore, Grafton, and other North Coast locations, further enhancing youth mental health support in regional Australia. Services Offered

The Ballina centre provides a wide array of services, including:

• Mental health support for issues like stress, anxiety, and family relationships.

• Help with alcohol and other drug use.

• Vocational and educational guidance.

• Support for identity, bullying, loneliness, and life challenges.

Cassie Primmer, Chief Operating Offcer at Social Futures, emphasized the service’s holistic and culturally safe approach:

“Young people face challenges on many