Hunt plans headspace for adults

ADULT “safe spaces”, where people suffering mental health crises can seek help, are part of a raft of measures the Federal Government is looking to roll out to help reduce the rising suicide rate.

The safe spaces would be modelled on the youth onestop shop mental health service headspace and designed to fill a void between the GP and hospital.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the move would complement services such as Head To Health, which had been accessed online by more than 600,000 users since it was established a year ago.

While the online service, which connects those in need with advice and details on where to get help, had proven to be a valuable resource, Mr Hunt acknowledged the need for an “adult headspace”.

“A headspace for adults is a very, very important concept,” he said.

“I call them safe spaces. I was at a Headspace and young people would say to me, ‘I feel safe coming here’. This is what adults are looking for — a place between the GP and hospital — and it is something that is being explored.”

Mr Hunt and Prime Minister Scott Morrison have made mental health a key priority for the government.