Young people across the ACT will continue to get the mental health support they need, with the ACT Government committing more than $9.4 million over four years to strengthen community-based mental health programs in the 2025-26 Budget.
The investment reflects the ACT Government's ongoing commitment to supporting young Canberrans and their families by providing mental health care that is accessible, timely and effective – helping reduce pressure on the hospital system while enabling children and young people to thrive.
The ACT Government is providing continued funding for five successful, community-driven programs:
- MindMap – a digital mental health navigation tool connecting young people and families to real-time support from clinical staff and peer workers.
- Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) – an early intervention and suicide prevention program delivered in ACT high schools.
- WOKE – a free Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group program for young people experiencing emotional distress.
- Stepping Stones – a trauma-informed service supporting children exposed to family violence and trauma, and their caregivers.
- ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Alliance (Youth Alliance) – a collaboration of community services focused on improving mental health outcomes for children and young people.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the Government is responding to the growing mental health pressures faced by young people.
"Our Budget continues to invest in services that meet them where and when they need it – in schools, in the community, and online.
"We want Canberra to be the best place in the country to raise children, and that means delivering the right support at the right time."
Minister for Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the investment recognises the vital role of community mental health care providers.
"These programs have been developed through strong partnerships across government, the health sector and the community – and they are delivering real impact," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"We know demand is growing, and many young people still struggle to access services when they need them. That's why Labor committed at the last election to ongoing funding for this important workand will continue to prioritise support for the growing mental health needs of the community."
The ACT Government's commitment to early intervention, prevention and better access reflects broader strategies across youth mental health and wellbeing, and supports the Territory's long-term goal of building a more connected, compassionate mental health system.
Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT) extended their sincere thanks to the ACT Government and Minister Stephen-Smith for their ongoing support.
"At MIEACT, sharing lived experiences of mental illness and recovery is central to the transformative impact we make in schools and communities. Our educators bring authenticity, empathy, and hope—breaking down stigma in ways that clinical facts alone cannot achieve" said Sheryle Moon, MIEACT President.
"MIEACT is incredibly proud to stand alongside the ACT Government as partners in this transformative, multi-year investment. This funding is not just recognition of MIEACT's work, it's a powerful affirmation of the value of lived experience, the strength of our DoNOHarm framework, and our unwavering commitment to supporting young people through programs including Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM). Together, we're building a future where stigma is replaced by understanding, and where every young person feels empowered to seek support and speak up about their mental health" said Prudence Slaughter, CEO, MIEACT.
