Anglicare NT to deliver headspace services in Katherine

Anglicare NT are very pleased to take the lead role with the new headspace Katherine service. As announced by Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, the Hon Greg Hunt MP and the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP earlier today, Anglicare NT have been selected to establish and manage the new centre that will provide tailored support to young people aged 12 to 25, along with their family and friends in Katherine and surrounds.

Building on the 10 years of experience Anglicare NT has operating headspace Darwin, as well as the 20 years of experience in the Katherine region, the youth-friendly mental health service will be culturally safe, appropriate and responsive to the needs of Katherine’s young people.

“Anglicare NT has long worked with services and the Katherine community to advocate for a local headspace centre. We recognise the significant mental health challenges facing young people in the region – issues such as depression, anxiety, suicide and bullying” said Dave Pugh, Anglicare NT CEO.

“We know from our experience in Palmerston and Darwin that the headspace model has a lot to offer. It provides a well-known, visible and safe place for young people to come and ‘talk it out’. This is a world class, quality service supported by evidence and national back-up, ensuring young people and their families can trust the approach taken.”

The establishment of a headspace centre in Katherine comes in response to a growing community need for youth mental health support throughout the area. The Katherine region has some of the highest indicators of disadvantage in all of Australia including unemployment, poverty and youth disengagement, as well as critically high levels of suicide (ABS, 2017).

Anglicare NT was selected to deliver the headspace services and manage the Katherine centre by Northern Territory PHN (NT PHN) following a tender process. The centre and services are being funded by the Australian Government under the PHN Youth Mental Health Program and the Northern Territory Government.

“The Katherine region has over 4,700 young people which is roughly 23 percent of the local population. They are at an increased risk of mental health issues than their peers in major cities” said Nicki Herriot, NT PHN CEO.

“Services like headspace can be that critical first step in getting the right support at the right time, and I am sure this new headspace centre will make a real difference in the Katherine community” said the Ministers in their announcement today.

Currently delivering headspace services in Darwin and a number of youth programs in Katherine, Anglicare NT are well positioned to establish the new headspace centre. Through ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders, including Aboriginal primary health care services, there will be a significant focus on ensuring services are culturally connected and effective for young Aboriginal people.

Planning for the service model will commence immediately with full headspace services expected to be offered in Katherine within six months.