headspace commends Minister Ley’s continued commitment to mental health

headspace has welcomed the update on national mental health reform from the Minister for Health, Sussan Ley, during National Mental Health Week. 

headspace Chair, Wendy McCarthy AO, congratulated the Government on its measured approach to reforming mental health and the pursuit of a comprehensive system that ensures all people with mental health needs get the right help at the right time and do not fall through the cracks.  

“The focus this Government has placed on Australia’s mental health services is critical and we support Minister Ley's dedication to a consultative and collaborative approach to national reform.  The continued focus on the important area of early intervention in youth mental health is commendable”. 

“headspace helped more than 60,000 young people last year but we know from a recent national youth wellbeing survey there is a concerning number of young people struggling with some very complex issues, so the need for headspace continues to be strong,” Ms McCarthy said. 

The Government’s landmark youth mental health and wellbeing survey released last month found one in seven children and young people experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months - the equivalent of 560,000 young Australians. 

The update from the Minister comes during National Mental Health Week, held annually to increase the awareness of mental health issues and encourage people to seek help for themselves or those around them. 

Ms McCarthy said this is an important week to raise awareness about how we can all make a difference in breaking down stigma that prevents people with poor mental health, including young people, from seeking help from services like headspace.

“Young people are fortunate the Commonwealth Government and previous Governments have been committed to ensuring headspace can deliver comprehensive services and support face to face, online and in schools. 

 “We look forward to receiving confirmation around the future of headspace services so we can sustain our workforce and continue to deliver vital services to young people in need.” Ms McCarthy said. 

Media contact: Carly Wright - 0413 025 385 or (03) 9027 0129 – cwright@headspace.org.au

About headspace 

The primary focus of headspace is the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians. headspace helps 12 – 25 year olds going through a tough time through a national network of more than 80 headspace centres (soon to be 100) and online and telephone counselling service eheadspace. headspace can help young people with general health, mental health, education and employment and alcohol and other drug services. 

headspace was established and funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia in 2006.