Member for Barker Tony Pasin said from today young people aged 12-25 dealing with mental health issues will be able to access services from headspace’s new permanent premises.

Headspace Mount Gambier, which had been operating at a temporary site since March 2016, marked the day by hosting a community event.

“From my very first day in the House of Representatives I have been campaigning for a headspace facility in Mount Gambier. Whilst a temporary site was better than no facility, I never gave up on a permanent headspace in Mount Gambier which I am so pleased the Federal Government has now delivered,” Mr Pasin said.

Headspace offers a range of youth friendly, holistic, community based services for 12 to 25-year-olds including support for mental health, alcohol and drug issues, and education and employment opportunities. It is in essence a one-stop-shop for our young people to access the services and support that they may need.

Early intervention remains the key to reducing the impact and duration of mental illness, which is the single biggest issue that affects one in four young Australians aged between 16 and 24 each year.

“I am committed to improving local mental health services,” Mr Pasin said.

Mr Pasin said the Coalition Government is working towards ensuring that all Australians, regardless of where they live, are able to access mental health services when they need them.

As a key element of the Australian Government’s mental health reforms, headspace centres and other Commonwealth-funded, regionally delivered mental health programs are now funded through Primary Health Networks (PHNs). The Government provides more than $750,000 annually to the Country South Australia PHN Mount Gambier headspace to run its early intervention services.

“This facility represents a $750,000 annual investment in the mental well-being of the young people of Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast and is another weapon in our fight against alcohol and illicit substance abuse in our community,” Mr Pasin said.

 

Contact: Courtney Stephens – 8531 2466