The Albanese Labor Government is investing an extra $72.7 million to boost headspace services across the nation, giving young Australians quicker access to the free mental health support they need.
This investment will support initiatives to reduce wait times and improve access to free mental health care for young people across 85 headspace services.
This funding boost will deliver:
- Additional staff to meet high demand for services;
- New activities to cater for individual and group supports, including single session and group therapies;
- Capital and infrastructure improvements to deliver safe, welcoming and modern centres;
- Activities to provide more inclusive support for young people from First Nations communities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
The Albanese Labor Government funds 172 headspace services across Australia and are opening 58 new, expanded and enhanced headspace services. This includes 30 headspace services being uplifted to headspace Plus, an enhanced service for young people experiencing severe mental illness.
headspace provides support for young people aged 12 to 25 years who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental ill health. Young people who prefer to receive support online or via phone can visit www.headspace.org.au or call 1800 650 890.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Labor Government is delivering new, enhanced and expanded free mental health services for young people, closer to home.
"This headspace funding boost makes sure headspace services across the country can meet the growing needs of young people in their communities.
"I've visited headspaces across the country - from the inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia - and have seen the positive difference these services have on the young people accessing them."
