HAVING gone through a few traumas himself, Dennis is keen to work with troubled youth.
So it was a good idea to check out the headspace space in Hurstville, which had its formal opening last Friday.
Dennis was among the many young people who visited the centre, along with some parents, to see what this service had to offer — and to take part in some fun activities such as art and music.
The new centre, at 41 Dora Street, is the second headspace service in the South Eastern Sydney region, with another centre in Miranda.
Headspace Hurstville offers youth-friendly services for people aged 12 to 25, such as mental health support and counselling, general health and sexual health services, alcohol and drug services and education, employment and other social and vocational services.
Hurstville operations manager Lesley Pullen said all young people were welcome to visit the service no matter how big or small their problem seemed, and confidentiality was always respected.
"The centre will provide someone else to talk to for young people struggling with things like depression, anxiety, bullying and relationship problems," Ms Pullen said. "We focus on seeking help early which leads to early intervention through the range of services. Our friendly staff are passionate about helping young people with their goals and are really excited to be servicing the St George area."
She said headspace received referrals from school counsellors, welfare staff, GPs, family and friends, and also encouraged young people to refer themselves.
Ms Pullen said that since quietly opening its doors three months ago at least 200 young people had asked for help, undertaking about 370 sessions.
Maddie, 16, and Paul, 17, from Oatley Senior Campus, had come to provide musical entertainment but agreed that it was great that young people had somewhere to go if they had problems, especially as the service was free.
"Sometimes it's not enough to talk to your friends — you need proper help from someone who knows what they are doing," Maddie said.
Dennis, 20, hopes to be employed by headspace eventually.
"I had mental issues of my own and once I started getting better I thought of what I wanted to do," Dennis said. "So I found a community services course after which I hope to do mental health."
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