A local headspace is receiving a funding boost from the Federal Government, being handed $237,000 to support increased staffing and enhanced clinical supervision for student placements.
The Geelong branch, alongside Bendigo’s Branch who have been granted $32,000 to update furniture and fittings, has been included in this funding as part of a $24.2 million Australian Government investment to reduce wait times – fast tracking access to mental health services for young people aged 12–25 seeking headspace appointments.
Recognising mental health and suicide prevention as one of the highest prioriries, Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on young Australians.
“One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year, and as we battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health,” he said in a statement.
“The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the required restrictions has had profound impacts on young Australians.”
headspace provides access to free or low cost youth-friendly, primary mental health services with a single entry point to holistic care in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support. Services provided through headspace centres have long being known as a safe place to turn to, somewhere young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.
This government investment will go towards improving facilities, access and reduce waiting times at headspace services commissioned by Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to ensure young Australians can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it from headspace centres who were already experiencing high demand across the country prior to the pandemic.
The headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program is an investment of $152 million over seven years from 2018-19 by the Morrison Government to reduce wait times at headspace services.
You can find out more here
If you need someone to talk to, you can contact headspace on 1800 650 890, or headspace Geelong on 5222 6690.
Other support networks can be contacted, including Barwon Health mental health support on 1300 094 187, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 and Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
