Health Minister announces additional funding for headspace centres

11 June 2020

COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN has welcomed an announcement by the Morrison Government of $24.2 million in funding to reduce wait times - fast tracking access to mental health services for young people aged 12–25 seeking headspace appointments.

The announcement was made by The Hon Greg Hunt, Minister for Health, at headspace Queanbeyan on Tuesday 9 June.

Dianne Kitcher, CEO of South Eastern NSW PHN said she was delighted that three headspace Centres in – Wollongong, Nowra and Queanbeyan – would benefit from this additional funding.

“This year has certainly been a challenging time for many young people across our region, with the devastating bushfires, as well as the social and economic fall outs of COVID-19,” said Ms Kitcher.

“It is critical that young people have somewhere they can go for tailored, youth-friendly and responsive support, without experiencing long wait times.”

Services provided through headspace centres are a safe place to turn to, somewhere young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.

headspace provides access to free or low cost youth-friendly, primary mental health services with a single entry point to holistic care in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.

“This additional funding will certainly help to reduce wait times, support long term sustainability and improve access to safe and person-centred services,” said Ms Kitcher.

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COORDINARE news, Media release, Mental health