The Coalition Government is providing unprecedented investment in mental health services for young Australians living on the Mornington Peninsula by establishing a new youth mental health hub in Rosebud. The hub will house, among other services, a new headspace satellite centre which will provide vital youth services in Rosebud and to Western Port and the Southern Peninsula.
This landmark investment includes:
- $1.5 million towards the construction of an integrated Youth Services Hub in Rosebud onthe Mornington Peninsula;
- $300,000 towards the construction of a youth wellness pavilion at Rosebud SecondaryCollege;
- $1.5 million over four years for the operation of a new headspace satellite service inRosebud and Hastings.
Approximately one in four young Australians aged 16-24 years face some form of mental health challenge every year, and three quarters of all mental illness manifests in people under the age of 25. Support early in life and at an early stage of illness can reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, and therefore brings lifelong benefits to individuals and communities.
Welcoming this critically important commitment, Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, said he was delighted that the Coalition Government was investing in improved services for the Mornington Peninsula to address the growing needs of the community.
“Mental health is an issue that is very close to my heart,” Minister Hunt said. “It has profoundly affected my own family, and I know it has had a devastating impact on most families around Australia. Addressing the challenge of mental ill health is a deep personal passion, so I am proud that the Coalition Government has backed our local community with more than $3.3 million for youth mental health services”
“I have been working with members and supporters of the Southern Peninsula Youth Services Hub proposal, including the Mornington Peninsula Council and with Rosebud Secondary College for a considerable time to make these projects a reality,” Minister Hunt said.
The Hub will unite multiple groups under one roof, providing young locals with combined health, wellbeing, recreational, education, training and employment services.
The Hub will also host a new headspace satellite centre, which will provide further outreach services to Hastings. Headspace provides early intervention mental health services to 12 to 25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young people’s wellbeing. Young people who are experiencing difficulties can access holistic care in four key areas: mental health, related physical health, alcohol and other drug use, and social and vocation support.
The Plans for the Hub have received endorsement from several community stakeholders, including the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Monash Health, Anglicare, Salvo Care, headspace, Neami National, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Skills Plus, Alfred Health, Oakwood School, Family Life, Melbourne City Mission, Taskforce, Peninsula Health, FMC, YSAS, Mind Australia, Youth Law and Mentis Assist.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire will be working with the local community over the coming months to choose a site for the Hub.
The significant investment from the federal government announced today ensures that the Shire has a strong foundation from which to secure further investment.
“We have done our part, including providing funding for headspace services on the Southern Peninsula and Western Port and I call on the state Labor Government to match our funding for the Youth Hub and Rosebud Secondary College.”
In addition to the Youth Services Hub, the Coalition Government will invest in the construction of a specialised wellness pavilion at Rosebud Secondary College. This will provide students with a safe space where they can gain the skills to manage and build their mental health.
“The staff and students here at Rosebud Secondary College have worked hard on this proposal for many years, raising $480,000 towards the building of the pavilion. This will ensure an on campus home for headspace outreach and other services for students.”
“These projects have the capacity to greatly improve local opportunities for younger Australians on the Peninsula and I urge the Victorian Labor Government to join our plan to improve mental health services on the Mornington Peninsula.”
“I am committed to ensuring that Australians can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it. I want our young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that services are here to help support them in facing life’s many challenges.”
“These services will save and protect lives.”
These latest initiatives continue the Government’s unprecedented investment in mental health, with an estimated $4.7 billion provided in 2018–19.