Young people in Western Australia’s Kimberley region will benefit from improved access to mental health support and care with a boost in funding for headspace Broome.
headspace Broome will receive more than $974,000 to expand First Nations cultural capacity and expand the clinical spaces through the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, visited headspace Broome today, met with staff and members of the Youth Reference Group and announced the funding boost.
headspace is the primary national platform for young people aged 12 to 25 years old who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill-health.
headspace provide support in four core areas – mental health and wellbeing, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $300 million into headspace this financial year.
There are currently 175 headspace services open with a commitment to grow to 203.
As part of the $1.1 billion mental health election commitment, over $200 million will be invested in 58 new, upgraded and expanded headspace services.
Currently, along with the Broome service, headspace has First Nations led services in Alice Springs, Mutitjulu, Mt Isa, Kununurra, and Deception Bay.
headspace Broome is funded by the Albanese Labor Government, commissioned by the Western Australia Primary Health Network and delivered by the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service.
For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at: www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“headspace Broome is an important place for young people in the Kimberley to access mental health support and care.
“As part of our significant investment in youth mental health, we’re boosting funding to expand capacity and meet the growing demand.
“From the city to the bush, the Albanese Labor Government is delivering more youth mental health support services, closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Glenn Sterle, Senator for Western Australia:
“I welcome today’s announcement that the headspace in Broome will receive funding that will help expand their important services and programs, particularly focusing on youth and mental health.
“I’m proud to be part of a Government which continues to invest in services in regional WA.
“I’d like to thank the Albanese Labor Government for this important investment and commend everyone at the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service for the important and essential work that they do in delivering the important services and support at headspace Broome.”