The Liberal National Government will support those who suffer from depression and anxiety by providing $33.8 million to help fund Beyond Blue programs.
This funding will ensure that the organisation can continue to provide Australians with information to recognise the effects of depression and anxiety, and effective strategies to help if they are someone close to them needs support.
In addition, funding will support Beyond Blue:
- break down the barriers that prevent people from speaking up
- raise community awareness
- reduce stigma related to depression, anxiety and associated disorders and
- conduct a wide range of national activities including a national telephone service.
It's estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
Three million people in Australia are living with depression, anxiety or both, and this affects wellbeing, personal relationships and careers, and may prevent those affected from living a full and productive life.
Unfortunately, many people do not seek help for these conditions because they fear discrimination or stigma.
Beyond Blue is one of the most trusted organisations in Australia, and has been providing support for and raising community awareness of, depression, anxiety and suicide since 2000. This funding will help them continue their important work.
I congratulate Beyond Blue for their ongoing leadership on mental health issues, and for their vital work helping to break down the barriers that prevent people from speaking up and reaching out for support.
Last month I announced the new school-based mental health program Be You would be delivered by Beyond Blue following a $98.6 million investment from the Morrison Government.
In this year's Budget we invested $37.6 million to expand the Beyond Blue Way Back Support Service across Australia, which provides outreach, follow-up care and practical support to people discharged from hospital after a suicide attempt.
Improving mental health services is a key pillar of the Government's long term national health reform plan and this announcement builds on the Government's record levels of investment.
The Liberal National Government is prioritising better mental health for all Australians with an additional $338.1 million allocated in the 2018¬–19 Budget and $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year.
Our Government's strong economic management ensures we continue to invest record amounts of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
