Investment in headspace timely

The ground breaking work done by Australia's Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace, was given another vote of confidence by the Federal Government yesterday with the announcement of additional funding.

The Federal Minister for Health, Ms Nicola Roxon, committed a further $78.3 million over four years to set up new headspace centres and extra funding for the existing 30 headspace centres.

headspace CEO, Chris Tanti said, "We welcome the new funding. It will go a long way to helping headspace make further inroads into addressing the mental health issues affecting young adults. Through this additional funding the Commonwealth Government has recognised the excellent work being done by headspace in this area and the long-term and ongoing impact it can have on the lives of young people across Australia.

However, more can always be done. Governments are now starting to understand the myriad of ways mental health can affect people and the pressure this places on our already overstretched health systems. Early intervention in the lives of young adults who may be vulnerable to mental health problems is the only way to relieve this pressure.

headspace is confident the Federal Government will continue to invest in this area in the immediate and longer term, and we eagerly anticipate further conversations with Health Minister Nicola Roxon and look forward to further commitments in this critical area," Mr Tanti said.

Manager of headspace Central Australia, Natalie Colmer said, "The funding will make a difference to how many young people we can help. We are currently stretched to our limit to provide and maintain the current high level of service, with small staffing levels carrying large case loads, so any additional funding will really help."

headspace has 30 centres in both regional and metropolitan Australia that offer health advice, support and information for young people. A headspace centre is youth friendly, a place where young people can seek help and a confidential low cost or free service.

headspace media contact:

Briony Walker
Tel +61 3 9027 0112
Mob 0402 399 746
bwalker@headspace.org.au