To continue our unprecedented investment into improving the mental health of all Australians, the Morrison Government is investing a further $44 million to increase access and reduce wait times at headspace services for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said both mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities.
“One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year and as we continue to battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health,” Minister Hunt said.
“The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on young Australians and we are ensuring that they can access the mental health supports they may need to help them get back on track and minimise longer-term impacts.”
“These grants form part of the Morrison Government’s headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program - an investment of $152 million over 7 years from 2018. Through three funding rounds to date, this program has supported 28 PHNs and 86 headspace services to reduce wait times and invest in capital and infrastructure.”
Australia’s headspace centres, for young people aged 12 to 25 years, are a single-entry point for holistic, wrap around mental health services. Services provided through headspace centres are a safe place to turn to, somewhere young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.
The Government encourages Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across the nation to apply for up to $1.8 million each in wait time reduction grants. In addition, grants of up to $940,000 are available for capital and infrastructure improvements to existing headspace services.
Together, the grants will:
- increase access to high quality and more timely youth-friendly mental health support
- enhance the quality of service experience for young people
- boost the physical capacity of headspace facilities and enhance the accessibility of services through refurbishment or relocation.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman said these new grants added to the Government’s significant support for headspace around the nation.
“Our Government is providing unprecedented funding and support for mental health, investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan” Minister Coleman said.
“There is nothing more important than the mental health of our young people. headspace makes a real difference in the lives of young people across Australia, and this funding will help to increase access to these important services.”
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can also access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
Guidelines for grant applications are available on the GrantConnect website: www.grants.gov.au