A brighter future for young people: headspace Geelong set to receive a major service uplift

A significant milestone for Stride Mental Health’s national network of youth mental health services, headspace Geelong has been selected among the first headspace centres nationally to transition to the enhanced headspace Plus model.

As the operator of 12 headspace centres and satellite services across Australia, Stride is proud to be part of this exciting next chapter in youth mental health care. The uplift to a headspace Plus centre in Geelong will expand access to more integrated and tailored support for young people in Southwest Melbourne region aged 12 to 25.

On 5 June 2026, we were honoured to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP to headspace Geelong to announce this significant investment in the future of youth mental health services.

The announcement recognised the important role that accessible, early-intervention support plays in helping young people thrive. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible work of our headspace Geelong team and discuss how expanded services will help meet growing demand across the region.

Each headspace Plus centre is designed around the needs of young people, providing a welcoming space where they can access support for their mental health, physical health, relationships, work, study and general health and wellbeing.

Building on the trusted headspace approach, the enhanced model provides greater flexibility to respond to the changing needs of young people.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan welcomed the opportunity to continue shaping the model through consultation with young people, communities and the mental health sector.

The public draft of the headspace Plus Model of Care is available here.

By expanding access to integrated care, headspace Plus will help more young people and families feel supported through every stage of their journey. Stride is proud to be part of this important next chapter in youth mental health care.