Boost for mental welfare centres

YOUNG Australians battling mental health issues will be able to get help sooner under a $44 million investment to speed up waiting times and improve facilities at Headspace centres around the country.

The grants, to be announced by the federal government on Wednesday, will be used to increase the availability of appointments in 31 centres, and improve buildings and equipment at a further 38 headspace facilities.

In Sydney headspace facilities in Ashfield, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Camperdown, Chatswood, Hurstville, Katoomba, Lithgow, Liverpool and Miranda will receive funding.

While in regional NSW services in Bateman’s Bay, Bega, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Tweed Heads and Wagga Wagga will be improved.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the funding would benefit teenagers and young adults aged 12 to 25-years-old, as well as their families and community.

“Sadly, the need for youth mental health services has risen in recent years, and Covid-19 added considerably to this as young people had their lives and plans disrupted,” he said.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma Mcbride said demand for services like headspace had soared during the pandemic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is often described as a shadow pandemic, with many young people experiencing mental illhealth for the first time,” she said.

“In Australia, half of all adult mental health challenges emerge before the age of 14, so it’s vital to give young people the support they need.

“These grants will make a difference to thousands of young Australians by giving them better access to a trusted support service like headspace.”