Support for headspace boosts youth mental health in Wide Bay

15 October 2018

Support for headspace boosts youth mental health in Wide Bay
Mental health care for young Australians is set for a $51.8 million funding boost.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, said the Coalition Government’s extra investment in the national network of headspace centres and the digital portal, eheadspace, means young people will have access to around 14,000 additional services nationally, shorter wait times and extra clinical staff.

“We want young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that the Government is backing quality frontline support,” said Mr O’Brien.

“Our support for headspace gives our vulnerable youth in Wide Bay a single entry point to friendly primary care that includes early intervention services and support for physical and mental wellbeing.

“I know how important it is for people to access mental health assistance, particularly in regional areas, and the big difference the right treatment can make.
 
“This program will provide information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it ,” Mr O’Brien said

Around 560,000 children and adolescents are estimated to have mental illness, and one in four young Australians experience it in any given year.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Government understands the huge mental health challenge facing many Australians, particularly young Australians.

“The additional investment is on top of the $95.7 million per year we have already committed to the 107 headspace centres running across the country.”

headspace has increased the number of services it delivers from around 259,000 in 2014/15 to around 382,000 in 2017/18. Last year, approximately 33,800 young people accessed eheadspace.

“With an unprecedented $4.7 billion investment being made in mental health this year alone, our funding boost will help headspace meet the increasing demands for their services, today and in coming years,” Minister Hunt said. 
(ENDS)