headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation welcomes today's Federal Government announcement of $13.1 million for mental health support in flood-affected communities in New South Wales.
The funding package will help grow headspace services across NSW, with:
- $1.1 million to expedite the establishment of a permanent headspace centre in the Hawkesbury region and,
- $3.4 million over the next four years to fund a headspace service in another high-need part of New South Wales.
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the funding was an acknowledgement by the Government that youth mental health is a priority in flood-affected communities.
"Natural disasters can have widespread and potentially long-lasting impacts on the mental health of young people," Mr Trethowan said.
"The NSW floods occurred at a time when young people were already living with the impacts of COVID-19 and enforced lockdowns.
"With two in five young Australians experiencing a mental health condition, the work of headspace has never been more important.
"headspace is grateful to the Federal Government for its commitment to the health and wellbeing of young people during this extraordinary time."
Young people, their families and friends who need support can visit their closest headspace centre. Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace
