Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Relationships Australia Victoria as the operator of a new mental health service for young people in Sale.
Mr Chester said the new headspace satellite service would provide free mental health support and specialised advice for people aged between 12 and 25.
“Too many young Australians are taking their own lives every year and 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,” Mr Chester said.
“Many people in our community, including students and young workers, are feeling stressed and anxious right now, so I am sure many will be glad the new service has reached this important milestone.
“Local doctors, youth groups, concerned parents and the wider community said clearly there was significant unmet demand for youth mental health services in Sale and an urgent need for additional support for our young people.”
The new headspace service had been expected to be operational in the middle of this year. A satellite site is one that is managed by an existing established headspace centre, known as a ‘parent centre’.
Mr Chester secured funding for the satellite service in last year’s Federal Budget as part of the $461 million national youth mental health and suicide prevention strategy.
Relationships Australia Victoria successfully tendered to operate the service and has now been commissioned to do so.
A youth advisory group will play a key role in advocating for the needs of young people in the Sale community and help ensure that services are accessible and youth-friendly.
The location of the service is being finalised. Details will be released as soon as they become available.
