The Liberal National Government will establish a new headspace service in Echuca, to provide mental health services to young people in the region.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said young people in the local area face many challenges and this new service will provide a significant boost of support.
“There are more pressures on young people today than ever before and the establishment of this headspace is so important in providing needed services in our region,” Minister Hunt said.
“The need in Echuca has been impressed upon me by Damian Drum and reinforced by headspace National and the Murray PHN.”
“I am committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it.”
“I want our young people to know they are not alone on their journey, and that headspace is there to deliver quality frontline support and coordinate the right interventions for people who are at risk,” Minister Hunt said.
headspace offers early intervention for 12 to 25 year olds in four key areas – mental health, related physical health, social and vocational support and alcohol and other drug use.
Federal Member for Murray, Damian Drum welcomed the announcement and said early intervention is absolutely critical to helping young people with mental health issues.
“There are nearly 3000 people in the headspace age range in the Echuca area with most needing to travel to Bendigo or Shepparton for support. Thankfully this announcement will provide much needed services closer to home for young people who are seeking support through difficult times.”
“It is evident to all that there is considerable community interest in implementing a headspace centre locally and this announcement will make this a reality.”
“The headspace network is at the heart of the Liberal National Government’s vision for youth mental health services and we are continuing to expand it,” Mr Drum said.
It is estimated that one in five young Australians aged 16 to 24 experience mental illness in any given year.
Three quarters of all mental illness manifests in people under the age of 25 so intervention early in life and at an early stage of illness can reduce the duration and impact of mental illness.
The Liberal National Government is prioritising better mental health for all Australians with a record $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year alone.
The Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.