Young Australians in Beaudesert now have easier access to mental health services when and where they need it most, with the opening of a new headspace satellite service.
One in four young Australians are affected by a mental illness every year. Many young people have also been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more important than ever to ensure access to youth mental health services.
The headspace program aims to improve access for young people aged 12 to 25 years who have, or are at risk of, mental illness. headspace provides free or low cost youth-friendly support in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.
Located at the Beaudesert Central Shopping Centre at Shops 6 and 8, 125-143 Brisbane Street, this new headspace service is part of the Morrison Government’s $30 million 2019 Federal Election commitment to establish ten new or expanded headspace services around Australia.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said he was pleased to see the expansion of headspace services across Australia, providing essential services to young Australians affected by a mental illness every year.
“headspace offers a safe, welcoming place where young people can get non-judgmental professional help and peer support, so they can tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them,” Minister Hunt said.
“There are more pressures on young people today than ever before and the expansion of headspace will be vitally important in providing services in Beaudesert.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“To date, headspace has provided 3.6 million services to people around Australia, and we are committed to ensuring young Australians can continue to get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“Over the next four years, we are investing $278.6 million in the national headspace network, by establishing new services and significantly enhancing those that already exist to ensure young people get the support and care they need.”
Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, welcomed the announcement and said “I want our young people in Beaudesert to know they are not alone on their journey.”
“headspace is here to deliver quality frontline support and ensure the best possible care for people who are at risk,” Mr Buchholz said.
“We know intervention at the earliest possible stage is important to reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, so I encourage young people in our community to reach out for the help they need.”
“I am immensely proud to have secured funding for this new satellite service, a commitment the Morrison Government took to the last election.
“I want to thank headspace and Stride for all their work in identifying this site, preparing it, securing staff and getting services underway to support our community,” Mr Buchholz said.
Regional Manager of headspace, Ash Simpson, who is responsible for services in Beaudesert, Ipswich, Meadowbrook, Nundah and Woolloongabba welcomed the investment in the satellite service.
“Stride is honoured to be the lead agency for headspace Beaudesert and looking forward to working with the community to support young people toward mental well-being”.
The headspace program aims to improve access for young people aged 12 to 25 years who have, or are at risk of, mental illness. This headspace satellite service has been commissioned by the Brisbane South Primary Health Network and is designed to meet the needs of young people in Beaudesert.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or on their website.