Headspace in Bairnsdale will receive a share of $24.2 million in Federal Government funding to fast-track access for young people to mental health support.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Bairnsdale centre would get $166,000 to modify its premises so it could provide additional services and offer more appointments.
“The disruption to normal life caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the required restrictions has had profound impacts on young people,” Mr Chester said.
“Some may be struggling with the social isolation and disruption to their daily lives, while others may have lost their jobs. I’m sure many will be feeling stressed and anxious.
“For those in East Gippsland, the pandemic came on top of the summer bushfires and several years of drought. The cumulative impact of these events should not be underestimated and that’s why it’s so important that mental health is prioritised.
“Too many young Australians are taking their own lives every year. We need to do more as a community and as a government to support them and make sure they can access help if they need it.
“Headspace is popular with young people as the centres are seen as a safe place where they can get professional help and peer support. It’s a place where they feel comfortable and can tackle their challenges in a way that’s right for them.
“This funding will help to ensure assistance – whether that is information, advice, understanding, counselling or treatment – is available whenever a young person seeks it.”
Headspace centres provide access to free or low cost youth-friendly, primary mental health services. They provide a single entry point to holistic care in four key areas: mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.
The funding for Bairnsdale has been secured through The headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program, an investment of $152 million over seven years by the Federal Government to reduce wait times.
Since the beginning of the year, the Federal Government has provided $8 billion as part of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) National Health Plan, which is supporting primary care, aged care, hospitals, research and the national medical stockpile.
This includes an additional $500 million for mental health services and support, including $64 million for suicide prevention, $74 million for preventative mental health services in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and $48 million to support the pandemic response plan.