headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation welcomes news that youth mental health has been called out as a priority at today’s Health Ministers’ Meeting.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said today’s meeting was a recognition of the priorities listed in a recent joint statement to government from organisations across the mental health sector.

“Just this week, a Lancet Psychology Commission paper identified the growing challenge confronting youth mental health, and singled out headspace as a model that is purpose-built to respond to that need,” Mr Trethowan said.

“There are currently underway a number of government-led reviews to bolster the headspace model, which we anticipate will support headspace to continue responding to the needs of young people and their families. Such reviews are critical and must be completed well before the next federal Budget – otherwise it could be years before any significant shifts in service accessibility for young people.”

“Acknowledgement today by ministers of a continued workforce shortfall is also appreciated. headspace continues to explore innovative solutions to shore up our pipeline of professionals, and I want to thank the Federal Government for their continued support of the headspace Early Career Program, which was funded in the May Budget for a third tranche of graduates.

“An independent review of headspace in 2022 identified a need to integrate better with state government and that’s why headspace is working closely with the states and territories as they work towards meeting their obligations under the bilateral mental health agreements.

“We commend the ministers for their focus on psychosocial supports for people with moderate to severe mental ill-health. It is worth noting that a sustainably funded headspace would be well placed to minimise at the earliest opportunity poor psychosocial impacts on young people with mental ill-health. Vocational programs like the headspace Individual Placement and Support program, which provides integrated work, study and mental health support to young people, are making significant contributions to the mental health outcomes of young people in Australia.

“We look forward to continuing our work alongside federal and state governments to strengthen the services on offer at headspace in centres and through our digital mental health services.”