The Liberal National Government will invest $1.5 million in partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council to deliver greater access to better youth mental health services.
Funding will support the development of a new ‘My Place’ facility and youth Headspace in Pakenham.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said young Australians living with mental health issues in the region will receive information and advice about health and wellbeing, education and training support.
“This funding announcement demonstrates our Government’s commitment to supporting young Australians living with a mental health condition,” Minister Hunt said.
Our support for headspace gives young Australians in La Trobe a single entry point to friendly primary care that includes early intervention services and support for physical and mental wellbeing.”
“This latest announcement will help save lives and improve patient care.”
“Improving mental health services is a key pillar of the Government’s long term national health reform plan and this announcement builds on the Government’s record levels of investment in mental health.”
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt acknowledged Jason Wood’s strong advocacy on behalf of his community to support youth.
“Jason Wood and the La Trobe community led a strong campaign calling for better services,” Minister Hunt said.
“They shone a light on an important local issue and the Liberal National Government is taking action.”
My Place currently provides a base (either permanent or outreach) to 10 organisations/government bodies.
These include:
- Windermere Youth and Family Services for complex needs
- Skillsplus – transition to work
- Monash Health ELMHS – secondary consultation for professionals
- SECASA – sexual assault and family counselling
- Youth and Family Counselling
- Centrelink - Oakwood School re-engage program
- Headspace
- WAYSS – drug and alcohol and housing assistance
- TaskForce – reconnect program
- Department of Justice – outreach to those on orders.
Member for Latrobe, Jaosn Wood said the Cardinia Shire is at the 'front' of Melbourne's south east growth corridor and it has a young and rapidly growing population.
“We are also contributing to support development of a new Headspace centre to protect youth’s mental health, Mr Wood said.
“The new Headspace centre in Pakenham is aiming to be the go-to mental health and wellbeing service for young people in our region, further strengthening the next generation of communities and helping young people get the support they need.”
“We can deliver this funding because we have a strong and growing economy and we are committed to supporting young Australians.”
These latest initiatives continue the Government’s unprecedented investment in mental health, with an estimated $4.7 billion provided in 2018–19.