To continue our unprecedented investment into improving the mental health of all Australians, the Morrison Government is investing a further $44 million to increase access and reduce wait times at headspace services for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said that Australia’s headspace centres provide young people in with a single-entry point for holistic, wrap around mental health services.
“One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year and as we continue to battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health,” Mr Pasin said.
“The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on young Australians and we are ensuring that they can access the mental health supports they may need to help them get back on track and minimise longer-term impacts,” Mr Pasin said.
“Young Australians know that services provided through headspace centres are 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.” Mr Pasin said.
Mr Pasin said both mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities.
“These grants form part of the Morrison Government’s headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program – an investment of $152 million over 7 years from 2018,” Mr Pasin said.
“Through three funding rounds to date, this program has supported 28 PHNs and 86 headspace services to reduce wait times and invest in capital and infrastructure.
“The electorate of Barker currently has three headspace centres in – Mount Gambier, Berri and Murray Bridge.”
The Government encourages Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across the nation to apply for up to $1.8 million each in wait time reduction grants. In addition, grants of up to $940,000 are available for capital and infrastructure improvements to existing headspace services.
Together, the grants will:
- increase access to high quality and more timely youth-friendly mental health support
- enhance the quality of service experience for young people
- boost the physical capacity of headspace facilities and enhance the accessibility of services through refurbishment or relocation.
“There is nothing more important than the mental health of our young people. headspace makes a real difference in the lives of young people across Australia, and this funding will help to increase access to these important services.” Mr Pasin said.
Guidelines for grant applications are available on the GrantConnect website: www.grants.gov.au
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