Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Headspace Melton provides essential support services to young people who are facing mental health challenges

March 26, 2025

Tackling the complexities of anxiety, depression and social disconnection all in one centre, Headspace Melton is the gateway to valuable mental health services for local young people.

As Melton’s community expands in its cultural diversity and youth health initiatives, the centre's services have also increased in popularity. Good News Melton spoke to Headspace’s Community Awareness Officer, Melissa (Mel) O’Neill to gain more insight into the centre’s work within Melton.

The Weeds: Challenges in providing Mental Health Support

With a 6.6% growth in Melton’s community per year, the demand for Headspace’s range of mental health services has also increased. The centre provides support to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, yet this has become a challenging feat given the diverse needs of different age groups.  

“A lack of resourcing has meant that Headspace is not always able to connect with young people in the early stages of mental health challenges” Mel said.

For young people recovering from the lasting impacts of COVID-19, social anxiety has also become a prominent challenge. “Many young people missed out on formative years where they would have developed essential social skills,” Mel explained as a contributing factor behind such anxiety. This kind of anxiety can lead to young people avoiding school and social situations, impacting their future growth and happiness. This is a key focus for Headspace when tailoring their services and treatment for young people. 

Melissa O’Neill, Headspace Community Awareness Officer

“Creating spaces for social connection can make a real difference,”

The Sprouted Solution: A Holistic Model for Mental Health

Shining a spotlight on Headspace's services reveals its promising social framework and holistic approach to providing mental health support. "We have four core areas: work and study, physical health, sexual health, and mental health," explained Mel. The centre is best known for its mental health services which includes counsellors, psychologists and GPs. It also "supports young people's physical wellbeing by finding meaningful activities like work and study", noting these are "essential for their overall mental health".

To tackle the rising levels of social disconnection, Headspace Melton’s employees utilise  their holistic approach in providing both community-centred and non-traditional support methods. “Creating spaces for social connection can make a real difference,” Melissa explained.

Additionally, Headspace provides support for those struggling with an addiction. Especially as alcohol and drug use has become a significant concern for young people in Melton, who turn to substance use as an unhealthy coping mechanism.

Branching out: Accessible Services

Headspace ensures that young people who face financial or cultural barriers have access to all basic services at no cost. The centre’s location itself is right across from the Melton train station, a key to ensuring accessibility for Melton’s vast population.

For individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Headspace also has catered services. “Melton is a very diverse community, and we want young people and families to really feel welcome as soon as they walk through our doors,” Melissa said. Interpretation service offerings have been of particular help, and evidence the collaborative effort of Melton’s community when “young people are translating for their parents”. 

Working closely with the LGBTQIA+ community has also opened the door for specialised support for young people that are transgender or gender diverse. This includes providing them with access to a GP, psychologist, or peer navigator. 

Headspace Melton reception area

“Seeing that growth and confidence in young people is the most rewarding.”

One twig away: Telehealth

Telehealth has allowed Headspace to play a crucial role in expanding youth access to mental health services in Melton. As many young people find it easier to access services remotely, those who struggled with the barrier of visiting the centre in person were now able to be supported. “Telehealth opened up more opportunities for young people, especially those dealing with social anxiety,” she explained.

This method also offers flexibility, with after-school sessions becoming a popular option for students who may not be able to come to the centre during school hours. Mel emphasised how phone services have been a valuable stand-alone tool as well as a segue into young people accessing in-person services.

Rooted in care: Community Impact

Headspace has engaged with and made a positive impact on the communities they serve. “We’re seeing more First Nations young people feel comfortable using our services, and we’re learning how to offer more culturally safe spaces for them,” Melissa said. The centre also hosts community clothes swap and art based activities which have been well received by Melton’s citizens. “Every time we run a project, we’re blown away by the generosity and the community spirit in Melton.” Melissa added.

For Mel, the transformation in young people as a result of Headspace’s services has been the most fulfilling part of working at the centre. “Sometimes young people come in with intense social anxiety, unable to speak in front of a group, and leave giving speeches at events,” she said. 

 “Seeing that growth and confidence in young people is the most rewarding.” 

Blooming Flowers: The Future of Mental Health services 

Moving forward, Headspace Melton continues to provide essential support services to young people who are facing mental health challenges. The centre has developed a strong foundation with its holistic and community-driven approach, which clearly extends to the counselling, social engagement activities and physical resources they offer.

Despite the centre having made such an impact, Mel acknowledges that there is still room for improvement. Particularly in building trust in families who may be unsupportive of their child engaging with mental health services. However, the centre is actively working to improve on this, as they do with other challenges related to its growing demand and resource limitations. 

Through the dedication of their team, innovative use of telehealth, and the strong support from the Melton community, Headspace ultimately ensures that everyone is able to access the support they need. It is a tree of hope, which has grown to provide vital mental health services, and promises a bright future for young people in Melton.

Headspace Melton location, streetview
Binusha is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, inspired about amplifying young voices, storytelling, and creating impactful, community-driven media.

Tackling the complexities of anxiety, depression and social disconnection all in one centre, Headspace Melton is the gateway to valuable mental health services for local young people.

As Melton’s community expands in its cultural diversity and youth health initiatives, the centre's services have also increased in popularity. Good News Melton spoke to Headspace’s Community Awareness Officer, Melissa (Mel) O’Neill to gain more insight into the centre’s work within Melton.

The Weeds: Challenges in providing Mental Health Support

With a 6.6% growth in Melton’s community per year, the demand for Headspace’s range of mental health services has also increased. The centre provides support to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, yet this has become a challenging feat given the diverse needs of different age groups.  

“A lack of resourcing has meant that Headspace is not always able to connect with young people in the early stages of mental health challenges” Mel said.

For young people recovering from the lasting impacts of COVID-19, social anxiety has also become a prominent challenge. “Many young people missed out on formative years where they would have developed essential social skills,” Mel explained as a contributing factor behind such anxiety. This kind of anxiety can lead to young people avoiding school and social situations, impacting their future growth and happiness. This is a key focus for Headspace when tailoring their services and treatment for young people. 

Binusha Pathirana
is a journalist at Good News Melton. She ipsum ultricies aptent sollicitudin est congue. You can find her stories here.

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