Delivering on the Australian Government's election commitment, young people across South-Western Sydney now have better access to mental health care and support with the opening of the new headspace Edmondson Park.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride officially opened the new service today alongside the Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley.
The new service will meet the growing demand for support among local young people aged 12 to 25 years old who are experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness.
headspace Edmondson Park provides care in four key areas - mental health, related physical and sexual health, alcohol and drug use, and work and study.
It is funded by the Albanese Labor Government, commissioned by the South Western Sydney Primary Health Network and operated by Grand Pacific Health Ltd.
Including Edmondson Park, there are now 163 headspace services operating nationally with a commitment to add a further 10 services by 2025-26.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $320 million in the headspace program to improve services and expand the network.
To make sure young Australians can access the mental health care they need, the government is providing additional funding of $27.1 million to the headspace Early Career Program (ECP), supporting up to 1500 student and 150 graduate placements across the headspace network by December 2026.
Extending the ECP will boost the workforce and support services to meet increased demand across the headspace network.
Young people who prefer online support can access eheadspace by calling 1800 650 890 or visiting www.headspace.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"This new headspace Edmondson Park delivers on our 2022 election commitment to open a new headspace centre for South-Western Sydney.
"In one of the fastest growing regions, this new, centrally located headspace will deliver mental health care and support for local young people close to home.
"Understanding the growing need, we're expanding our national network of headspace services across the country.
Quotes attributable to Anne Stanley, Member for Werriwa:
"It has been a privilege to work and advocate for this fantastic facility in the fastest growing part of South-Western Sydney.
"headspace Edmondson Park has in just two months has supported almost 100 young people, proving that care and services like this are needed and welcomed by the youth of the area.
"This facility proves once again that the Albanese Labor Government has prioritised the health and well-being of the people of Werriwa. It is an election commitment that means so much to everyone in the area.
