- Premier
Thousands of young Victorians will get the mental health support and treatment they need from the very best staff, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today opened the cutting-edge new youth mental health facility in Parkville, which will focus on prevention and early intervention and will support 5,000 young Victorians each year.
The Labor Government invested $60 million in the new facility on Poplar Road, which is home to Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Orygen Youth Health program.
The new centre will be a hub of research and training for health professionals in search of new and better treatments for young people living with mental illness, delivering all the services young Victorians need, under the one roof.
During design, builders worked closely with staff and young people living with a mental illness and their families to deliver a facility for young people, designed by young people.
The project recently won Best Mental Health Design at the 2019 European Healthcare Design Awards ceremony in London.
Mental health has been identified as a key health issue facing young people with evidence showing that half of mental health disorders start by age 14, and three quarters by age 24.
The centre will improve access to youth services including acute community-based care, psychological and psychosocial treatments and peer and family support programs.
Young Victorians experiencing mental illness have been among those who have told their stories at public hearings for the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
The Commission will deliver an interim report in November this year, followed by a final report in October 2020. The State Government has said it will implement all the Royal Commission's recommendations.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
As noted by Premier Daniel Andrews
"Our kids are our future, but too many are living with mental health conditions. It's got to change, and that's exactly what this flagship centre will do."
"We don't have the best mental health system that we could have. That's why we've established Australia's first ever Mental Health Royal Commission - and we'll implement every one of its recommendations.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
"This facility will transform the way we help our young people with mental illness get well and stay well. It will also ensure we have a sustainable and skilled youth mental health workforce now and in the future."
