Grove headspace campaign
CORANGAMITE MP Sarah Henderson has launched a campaign for a new standalone headspace facility in Ocean Grove.
Bellarine Community Health currently operates a headspace facility in Drysdale as part of Geelong headspace, which is supported by federal funding from the Western Victoria Primary Healthcare Network.
Ms Henderson said she welcomed the Liberal National Government’s announcement that $1.45 billion would be delivered for community mental health services throughout the next three years.
“This funding will be provided through our government’s innovative 30 PHNs with the Western Victoria PHN to receive an estimated $37 million over three years,” she said.
“This massive boost in funding will deliver services tailored to the specific needs of our region.”
Ms Henderson said she was “lobbying hard” to ensure that some of the funding provided to the Western Victoria PHN would support a new head- space in Ocean Grove.
“The Federal Government is providing $3 million to BCH for its new allied health services in Point Lonsdale,” she said. “Along with a headspace facility, there is also a strong case for expanded community health services for Ocean Grove and other parts of the Bellarine.”
Ms Henderson said it was “alarming” that there were 53 deaths due to suicide from 2014-16 in the Corangamite electorate.
“Over recent months, a number of young people have suicided in the region which has been just tragic,” she said.
The $1.45 billion funding commitment will commence from July this year until 2021-22 and is $170 million more than what was provided for the previous three years.
Ms Henderson will host youth mental health forums asking for direct feedback about the most effective ways to support young people suffering mental health challenges.
The forums will be held at Springdale Neighbourhood Centre on March 5 from 6pm-7pm and Shell Rd Reserve Pavilion on March 6 from 6pm-7pm.