New Headspace Sites For Young People in NSW
Young people living in NSW will benefit from the establishment of five new headspace sites, as announced by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, on 24 October at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.
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Joint release
The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Human Services
Minister for Social Inclusion
24 October 2011 Young people living in NSW will benefit from the establishment of five new headspace sites, as announced by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, today at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth.
The Gillard Labor Government is investing over $197 million to more than double the number of headspace sites across Australia ensuring more young people with mental illness, or at risk of mental illness, are able to access the right care and support.
Once up and running, the 90 sites will help up to 72,000 young Australians each year.
In NSW, five new sites will be established in:
Sydney - North Sydney and Hornsby;
Sydney - Outer West and Blue Mountains;
Newcastle (Lower Hunter);
Port Macquarie and
Tamworth.
"The new sites have been chosen in conjunction with headspace, and in consultation with the NSW Government on the basis of community need," Mr Butler said.
Once fully established these sites will help on average between 1,000-3,000 young people per year.
"The five sites will improve access for young people aged between 12 and 25 to mental health care, drug and alcohol services and vocational support."
Ms Plibersek today met with local youth at headspace in Camperdown, Sydney to discuss the importance of having access to youth friendly health services.
"We know that mental health is the single biggest health issue facing young Australians. It is estimated that one in four Australian families will be directly impacted by mental health," Ms Plibersek said.
"If left untreated, mental illness can interrupt schooling, affect employment, impact relationships and in some cases lead to substance abuse.
"It's critical we provide support early in life, to prevent issues persisting for the rest of a young person's life.
"It takes strength and courage to ask for help - these new headspace sites will give young people the help they need to get back on their feet and fulfil their potential."
This announcement builds on the new 24 hour eheadspace service which from today, will provide free, confidential and anonymous counselling services over the phone or online, to young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years with, or at risk of developing, a mild to moderate mental illness.
Mental health is a priority for this Government and we are delivering on our commitment to improve services for Australians living with a mental illness, their families and their carers.
For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280
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