The change will draw on BCH’s experience working with youth and mental health but BCH acting chief executive officer Jane Measday made clear headspace would retain its identity and Camp Street location.

BCH has been involved in a health and welfare consortium overseeing headspace programs in Ballarat since its establishment in 2013. BCH will work closely with Western Victoria Primary Health Network in a three-month transition period before taking leadership from July 1.

Ms Measday said changes would take place behind the scenes, managing headspace for the future, so there was a consistent continuity of care – no gaps – for the youth who visit.

“We see this to be a natural alignment for our work,” Ms Measday said. “Headspace has already done great work in mental health and we want to build on that for the future.

“...(headspace) is a really crucial service for youth. It’s a place easily identified and very youth friendly.”

BCH takes the lead on headspace with the support of the consortium, including Ballarat Health Services, Centacare, St John of God Hospital, Mind Australia and Uniting Care Ballarat.

Headspace was established in this region under direction of the now-defunct Grampians Medicare Local. Its successor Western Victoria PHN has shifted more into commissioning services, rather than delivery, and deemed BCH the best fit to operate headspace Ballarat.

Changes also fit into mental health reforms introduced by the federal government late last year to better recognise and tailor services to local demands.

Western Victoria PHN chief executive officer Jason Trethowan said headspace Ballarat had worked with 630 young people in the past 12 months and the organisation had established an important role for youth advocacy in the community.

"Headspace is more than just a mental health service,” Mr Trethowan said. “It encourages youth participation, ensuring services remain youth friendly, and provides community awareness on issues about mental health, drugs and alcohol and youth-related health.”

Headspace runs free and confidential health services for young people aged 12-25. Details, headspace.org.au or phone 5304 4777.