Young Australians living on Bribie Island will have greater access to mental health services when and where they need it most, with the Coalition Government investing $1.8 million to establish a permanent, official headspace satellite service.
The new headspace Bribie Island will commence establishment in 2022-23 and operate as a satellite service under the clinical governance of its parent centre, headspace Caboolture. It will provide a permanent home for previous outreach services provided by the local Primary Health Network (PHN) to young people on Bribie Island.
The headspace program improves access to support for young people aged 12 to 25 who have, or are at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness. headspace provides free or low-cost youth-friendly services in mental health, related physical health, alcohol and other drug use, and social and vocational support.
This investment will provide a permanent home for previous outreach services to young people on Bribie Island.
Former Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said access to mental health services and support was more important for young people than ever.
“One in four young Australians are affected by a mental illness every year, and we know many young people have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Former Minister Hunt said.
“Young people on Bribie Island will have ongoing access to headspace, a welcoming place for non-judgmental professional help and peer support, which provides the best possible care to young people at risk.”
“Over the next four years, the Coalition is continuing to invest in headspace, bolstering capacity to reduce wait times and undertaking the single largest expansion of the network to deliver 164 services by 2025-26.”
Member for Longman, Terry Young, welcomed the announcement and said “I want our young people on Bribie Island to know they are not alone on their journey.”
“The Bribie Island community has been calling for this service and I am proud to be a part of a Coalition which is delivering these services where they are needed.”
“headspace is recognised by young people, their families and communities as a trusted source of care and has played a vital role in ensuring young Australians are supported and continue to receive support during these challenging times.”
Former Assistant Minister to the Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Australian Government’s highest priorities.
“The Opposition Government is committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it,” Former Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“This investment also supplements funding the Former Government provided through the $31.2 million mental health flood support package announced on 9 March 2022, and our continued focus on improving the mental health of young people to support them to reach their full potential.”
Children and young people are a priority population under the recently released National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, Former Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“The National Agreement is a key step in achieving landmark reforms to the Australian mental health and suicide prevention system.”
This service will be commissioned by the Brisbane North Primary Health Network and builds on the Former Government’s existing significant investments in the headspace program.
In 2022-23 the Coalition Government is investing a further $648.6 million in the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, taking total investment under the Plan since 2021-22 to nearly $3 billion.
Young Australians needing support can access free services through their local headspace or online through eheadspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/).
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can 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 (www.headtohealth.gov.au).