headspace CEO Chris Tanti today acknowledged the Federal Government’s response to the Mental Health Review as an ambitious reform package. 

headspace welcomes the focus on local service delivery, responding to individual needs, and the promise of better coordination between State and Federal Governments. 

Mr Tanti said: “While much of the detail of the response from the Government is still to be finalised, I look forward to working alongside Minister for Health Sussan Ley MP, her Department, and the recently established Primary Health Networks to ensure the existing nationally integrated platform of care for our young people continues to operate effectively.

 “The Minister and the Department of Health have given a firm commitment to the continued roll out of headspace, acknowledging it represents international best practice.” 

In almost ten years headspace has provided more than 1.2 million occasions of service. In 2014/15 alone more than 74,000 young people have used headspace services. 

“The headspace model is a successful one. Localised service delivery with centralised support is the key to helping young people access support and services when and where they need it,” Mr Tanti said. 

“Access to support nationally, after hours and in a digital capacity has been addressed successfully with eheadspace, and we look forward to discussing with other agencies how we might expand and integrate these services.” 

Mr Tanti said headspace services would continue uninterrupted through the reform process. 

“We want to reassure young people that headspace services are operating as usual and we encourage them to come to us if they are facing a tough time. 

“As always, our focus will be on continuing to deliver the highest quality services to the young people and families who rely on headspace.”