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In 2022, CHN received funding from the Australian Government for the establishment of a headspace Early Psychosis (hEP) site in the ACT under the Early Psychosis Youth Services (EPYS) Program. This program aims to reduce the incidence and severity of psychosis within the community through prevention, early detection and coordinated care delivery for young people aged 12-25.
In 2023, CHN underwent procurement for a lead agency to deliver the hEP service, and following a competitive open tender process selected Uniting NSW/ACT as the provider. Uniting were able to initiate their comprehensive service planning activities and have been working closely with local providers to enable connected and high-quality supports, including Grand Pacific Health’s headspace Canberra team, where the hEP service will be integrated.
CHN commissioned JLL to provide comprehensive support to CHN, Uniting and Grand Pacific Health to understand and navigate the local real estate environment and aided the lead agency in securing a new site for hEP Canberra. The existing headspace Canberra service will also relocate to the new location in 2025.
CHN continued to support establishment activities for the service throughout the year, including leading community consultations, assisting with key governance and service delivery documentation, and facilitating relationship-building between hEP and key local stakeholders. hEP Canberra is anticipated to commence service delivery in the 2024/25 and will enable young people to access free specialist mental health support in an accessible, youth-friendly environment.
Testimonial
Uniting NSW.ACT Director of Communities, Dr Andrew Montague said that Uniting NSW.ACT is excited to deliver the first headspace Early Psychosis program in the ACT.
“headspace Early Psychosis supports 12–25-year-olds that are experiencing a first episode of psychosis or are at ultra-high risk of developing psychosis. headspace Early Psychosis is all about intervening as early as possible to provide young people with the supports they require to live full healthy lives. Uniting is confident this new service will make a significant impact on young people’s lives in Canberra,” said Dr Montague.