$900k for mental health

DARWIN’S Headspace service will receive nearly $900,000 to take on-board extra staff and resources as part of a national push to help young Australians battle mental illness.

The federal government will provide $26m nationally to the mental health service in a bid to help combat depression, substance misuse, and to provide social support and improve physical health.

A total of $899,000 will be granted to

the Headspace branch in Darwin to recruit a practice manager, additional staff and implement new policies to help young Aboriginal people.

The cash injection will nationally pay for 10 new Headspace centres, taking the total outlets to 164.

The money, set aside in the 2021-22 budget, is in response to soaring rates of mental health issues in the pandemic.