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PDF printable version of New Headspace Outpost For North West Coast (PDF 32 KB)

Joint Release

The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

Sid SideBottom MP
Federal Member for Braddon

24 October 2011

Young people living in Northwest Tasmania are to get better, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services.

As announced by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, at the Commonwealth Youth Forum at CHOGM in Perth today, a new headspace outpost will be established in North West Tasmania.

The Gillard Government is investing more than $197 million to expand the number of headspace sites to 90, ensuring national coverage. This brings the Government’s total investment in headspace services to $359 million

"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,” Mr Butler said.

"North West Tasmania has a large population of young people, many of whom are facing real socioeconomic pressures, including high youth unemployment. It's important that youth friendly support services are available to young people if they're feeling anxious, worried or going through a tough time."

"Since being elected as the Member for Braddon, I have campaigned with our community for better health services, particularly improved services for young people," Mr Sidebottom said.

"I made a commitment to improve local mental health services and this is exactly what I'm doing. Young people living in North West Tasmania will be able to access more help and support as a result."

"Once established, the new headspace should have an immediate impact. It will quickly improve the access of local young people aged between 12 and 25 to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services. Indeed, there are approximately 16,500 young people in our region and this additional service will help provide increased access and assistance."

The new site has been chosen in conjunction with headspace, and in consultation with the Tasmanian Government on the basis of community need, youth population, access to existing services and local capacity.

The new outpost site will be able to utilise and build on headspace Launceston's expertise and understanding of the key challenges facing the area, while forging its own identity in the region.

headspace will work with local organisations including schools, existing health services and youth services to explore how to best improve care and support for young people. Consultation with local stakeholders will begin in December.

As well, headspace is to go online – with a new national telephone and web-based support service starting from today. eheadspace will extend the reach of the model to more young people, particularly in harder to reach areas such as more regional and remote parts of Australia.

The new eheadspace service will provide free, confidential and anonymous counselling services to young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years with, or at risk of developing, a mild to moderate mental illness. It will also provide referrals to other appropriate services, including mental health, alcohol and drug, social and vocational services.

For more information, please contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7280