A new headspace centre in Caloundra, which will
deliver vital mental health and wellbeing support for young people in the region,
is expected to open mid-2023.
It is estimated that one in four people aged 16 to
24 experience some form of mental illness every year and that 75 per cent of
mental health issues develop before the age of 25.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator
Anne Ruston said the Liberal National Party’s $2.3 billion National Mental
Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, established in 2021, continues to
deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
“The National Mental Health and Suicide
Prevention Plan includes a record $873.2 million investment in the national
headspace network to establish more centres, improve existing sites, deliver
more mental health services, and reduce wait times for access to mental health
care,” Senator Ruston said.
“It is so important that young people feel
supported in asking for help with their mental health and these centres provide
this support for approximately 630,000 young Australians and a further 580,000
children each year.”
The new centre to be established in Caloundra is
one of ten new centres funded in the 2021-22 Federal Budget as part of the plan
to strengthen, enhance and expand the national headspace network.
Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace said the provision
of mental health services and ensuring that young people have access to care is
one of his top priorities.
“We want young people to receive the help, support
and care they need where and when they need it,” Mr Wallace said.
“With its accessible and confidential mental health
services, this new headspace centre will play an essential role in keeping
young people in our community safe and well.”
Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast
Primary Health Network and headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
have commenced planning to ensure that the service reflects the needs of the
local community.
The new headspace centres will
be established in a phased approach over four years as part of the largest ever
expansion of the headspace network, taking the number of headspace services to
164 by 2025-26, up from just 56 in 2013.
headspace offers highly effective free or low-cost
support for mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and
alcohol and other drug use to young Australians aged 12-25.
Services are co-designed with and for young people
to ensure that they are relevant, accessible, and delivered in a safe,
confidential, and youth-friendly environment.
Young people can also get support through
eheadspace, the national online and phone (1800 650 890) support service, which
is staffed by experienced youth mental health professionals. It provides young
people and carers with a safe, secure, and anonymous place to talk to a
professional – wherever they are.
