The Hills community will benefit greatly from the recent opening of headspace Castle Hill according to Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne.

Mayor Byrne toured the new centre this week with Federal Mitchell MP Alex Hawke, heralding it as an important facility.

“As many people know, I’m passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues. Many don’t realise how deeply it affects our community,” Mayor Byrne said.

“But there’s no need for our residents, particularly our young people, to suffer in silence.”

“The aim of headspace is to help young people deal with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship break downs, alcohol, drugs and all the associated issues that have been known to affect young people.”

“I’d like to commend the Federal Government for investing in this excellent facility for our Shire.”

Mr Hawke said the Castle Hill headspace will provide essential mental health services to young people aged between 12 and 25.

“In 2014, the Federal Government made a commitment to provide more mental health services catering for the needs of young Australians. I am pleased this has now been delivered with the Castle Hill headspace now in operation,” Mr Hawke said.

“This new Castle Hill headspace facility will allow more young people in the Division of Mitchell to receive the help they need to fully recover or better manage their conditions and avoid serious and debilitating conditions later in life.”